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100 Kids Who Care meet on Sunday

Young philanthropists of Red Deer
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100 Kids Who Care gathered at Kerry Wood Nature Centre last spring to plant 1,500 trees and chose a local charity to support. (File photo by Jeff Stokoe/Advocate staff)

Red Deer youth are pulling together to assist local charities at their 4th 100 Kids Who Care meeting at Kerry Wood Nature Centre on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Spearheaded two years ago by dancers at Dance Magic Studio and studio owner Christine Slaymaker, the bi-annual meetings are open to any child or teen in the community who wants to make a difference by donating $10 each at the meetings towards a charity.

Modeled after similar men’s and women’s groups, kids nominate charities of their choice then three are randomly selected to make presentations and kids vote on who should receive their money.

“We’ve impacted over 207 kids over the course of the four meetings. Anywhere from 100 to 150 kids have attended each meeting,” Slaymaker said.

The goal is for 150 kids to attend on Sunday in recognition of Canada’s 150th and to accumulate local volunteer hours for the Canada 150 for 150 Volunteer Challenge.

Between $1,100 and $1,300 has been raised at each previous meeting.

“Our spring meeting has always been a community service project. Last year we planted 1,500 trees at Kerry Wood Nature Centre.”

On Sunday kids will clean up trash along the Red Deer River and should bring gloves, closed toe shoes or rubber boots, and appropriate clothing for the weather.

She said meetings have attracted kids from age 3 to 18. They all work together as a team and are in the driver’s seat when it comes to making decisions.

“I think kids love the concept. Kids like to help. I think it’s in their nature. When you can provide them with outlets to feel responsible and feel grown up in some way and can contribute in the same ways their mom or dad or neighbour can, I think it’s a positive thing.”

Kids can register for the meeting at reddeerdancemagic.com or just come out on Sunday, and they are encouraged to bring their families and friends.

Doors open at 11 a.m. Presentations begin at 11:30 p.m. with the vote to follow. Participants will head out for the river cleanup at 12:30 p.m. and a barbecue, with prizes, will start at about 2 p.m.

Three charities that will make presentations on Sunday are Habitat for Humanity, Lending Cupboard, and Camp He Ho Ha.

szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com