Children are among the biggest contributors to the food bank and Share Family and Community Services plans to recognize that fact with a new club to highlight their efforts.
While Share has long appreciated the donations kids make with proceeds from crafts, bake sales, lemonade stands and other initiatives, the Share Bear Kids Club will provide more formal recognition of their efforts.
"Whatever the campaign, what they all have in common is the spirit of giving," says Kate Lawrence, director of development at Share.
To join, kids fill out a registration form and Share will recognize them on its website and social media.
One of the first club members is Madelyne Bowman, 5, a Coquitlam Grade 1 student who handed over more than $60 from a lemonade stand she held in June.
"It's good," Madelyne said of the club.
The Glenayre elementary school student said she wanted the money she raised to go to the food bank so "children and grown-ups who don't have money can have food."
Her mother, Vicki, said giving to Share has been a "positive" experience and her daughter will probably hold another lemonade stand again to raise money for Share.
Madelyne set up the lemonade stand, complete with signs, and additional treats such as granola bars, at the side of a popular bicycle path near her Coquitlam home.
More than 15 people bought drinks and snacks to help out Share, Vicki said.
"It was fun, she'd wanted to do a lemonade stand for a long time."
The Share Bear Kids Club will launch Aug. 17 at Port Moody's Centennial community picnic and fireworks celebration at Rocky Point Park. Families can visit Share's booth to pick up the kids club package and for other fun activities. There will be refreshments, giveaways and contests. Plus, be on the lookout for Share volunteers selling 50/50 tickets.
Children who have already done something for Share and the community, or who would like to learn more about becoming a club member, cam email Teri Towner at [email protected].
