The 100 Kids for Change Oceanside group is celebrating a year that saw it raise more than $1,700 for local charities, as well as more than doubling its membership.
The youth-run philanthropy organization meets quarterly to vote on a charity to benefit. The members range from ages five years old to 18 years old and each brings a $10-plus contribution.
The 100 Kids' latest meeting saw the group select the Bradley Centre as the recipient of a $395 donation.
“We had the largest turnout of members so far, we had 31 members in attendance,” said Janel van Dongen, the organization's founder and chair.
She added that since its first meeting, the group has more than doubled its members from 20 to 47, including some who were signed up at the February meeting.
In August, the Rotary Club of Parksville offered to match donations made by the 100 Kids.
“The community support of 100 Kids has been nothing short of incredible," said van Dongen. "It’s been really special."
The group is grateful to support from numerous local businesses that have pitched in and offered services at a reduced rate or free of charge.
In November, van Dongen received a phone call from Parksville Fire Rescue, which offered a $300 donation to whichever charity the 100 Kids voted for at their next meeting.
The group's most recent donation will go to the Bradley Centre's Oceanside Family Program, a low-barrier program which helps support families by providing essentials such as diapers, wipes, formula, and grocery and gas gift cards to parents who need an extra helping hand.
In their first year, the 100 Kids donated to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, the Society of Organized Services, the Parksville Museum and the BC SPCA.
“You can look back on all those charities and you sort of see a tapestry of all the causes that youth in our community care about and want to donate to and want to support and grow,” van Dongen said.
The group's number one goal is to increase its membership and donations.
The members have been out and about in the community raising awareness, with booths at last summer's Summer by the Sea Market and the Putting for the Park fundraiser.
They have also spoken to clubs at Ballenas Secondary School and Kwalikum Secondary School.
Another focus for van Dongen is setting up new leadership, as she will turn 18 this year and age out of the organization.
Although there are similar 100 Kids groups across Canada and the U.S., van Dongen is fairly certain 100 Kids Oceanside is the first of its kind on Vancouver Island.
More information about the group, and a sign-up form, is available online at parksvillequalicumfoundation.com/100-kids-for-change/ and through its Facebook page facebook.com/100KidsOceanside.
