Brandon Larson believes that a small number of people can make a big impact, and that's why he's organizing a fundraising initiative that is set to kick off March 2.
People Who Care Tri-Cities is modelled after similar groups that have sprung up since the original 100 Women Who Care was started in Michigan in 2006. There are now about 350 chapters around the world, including 100 Men Who Care, Kids Who Care and more.
"The premise is that they get groups of people together, they nominate charities and, as the organizers, we select three to come and present their cause," Larson said. "At the end of the presentation, the members vote and the charity that gets the most votes gets a $100 cheque from every member."
If 100 people attend an event, that means a charity can leave with $10,000.
The organizers act as facilitators, Larson said, and don't take a share of the proceeds — all cheques go directly to the charity, which is then responsible for issuing tax receipts.
Larson was inspired to create the Tri-Cities group after learning about the initiative from a friend who belongs to a chapter in Calgary.
"Our first event, we're aiming realistically for about 30 people," he added. "But the charity that's chosen would be leaving that night with about $3,000."
People who register as members can nominate three charities they would like to support; they don't all have to be local but a provincial or national organization would have to commit to keeping the funds raised within the Tri-Cities. Larson hopes to build on the March 2 event and hold similar events four times a year.
"Members are welcome to attend one, and not another, so we're really flexible," Larson said. "And people really get to see their money going to work locally."
• People Who Care Tri-Cities has its inaugural event at Pasta Polo in Coquitlam on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.peoplewhocaretricities.com for more information.
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