Aspire Special Needs in Red Deer will be at the receiving end of the latest donation from 100 Kids Who Care.
They were chosen from a group of three potential charities as the kids voted on who should get the money Saturday. Each kid brought $10 to donate, and philanthropic parents decided to match what was donated.
“It’s a great way for kids to learn how to make decisions democratically, to learn about different charities in our community, and it’s just a really good way for kids to learn how to be good people and give back,” said Teneal Dutrisac, 100 Kids Who Care co-ordinator.
On top of giving money to charity, the kids participated in team-building activities and had the chance to plant some plants in a hanging pot. The plants will grow, and, in May, the kids can pick them up and give them away as a random act of kindness.
The other two charities who made a pitch for votes were Ronald McDonald House, which provides a place to live for families while children undergo health care treatments at the hospital and Cinderella Stylists, who provide graduation dresses or tuxedos to people who can’t afford them.
Aspire Special Needs provides programming, assessment and intervention services for children who have special needs. It ranges from psychologists and speech pathologists to a well-attended preschool program, said executive director Michelle Sluchinski.
“We support children in Central Alberta with special needs,” she said. “We’re so excited and grateful to be chosen, and it’s exciting to have this many parents and children talking about our organization.
“We serve Red Deer, but we also serve Central Alberta. There are young families all around our area that need support.”
The event took place at Blue Grass Sod Farms and owner Doreen Parcels said they always have a smile on their faces when they can give back to the community.
“We’re giving the kids a gift they can give back and experience the joy of giving,” said Parcels.
In the past, money has gone to organizations like Move Like Jagger, a group that wants to build barrier-free playgrounds; Camp He Ho Ha, and the Central Alberta Humane Society.
mcrawford@reddeeradvocate.com
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