I’ve dreamed of making a real difference in the world all my life. Maybe you have too. But if you’re like me, stagnant creativity, a lack of resources, fear of not knowing what to do or how to do it, and a host of other excuses, have often distracted me from things that really matter. Maybe that’s why there’s something especially inspiring about kids who step up to the challenge.
7-year-old Katie McGinn, of Corner Brook, did just that. Katie first heard about the ERDO campaign, Cookies for Kids, at Kids Rock Camp last summer. The project, highlighted by the Provincial Children’s Ministries, has been one of focus for our PAONL Next Gen Ministries since January 2016.
Cookies for Kids is a campaign to support children in Bangladesh. “Although there has been significant progress in improving child nutrition and health statistics, child malnutrition is responsible for more than 300,000 child deaths each year in Bangladesh. That is why ERDO is providing high energy cookies to kids!” $3.50 provides nutritional biscuits to a child for a month. But that’s not all. Because of a Canadian Government grant, every $1 is matched 4:1, so your gift of $3.50 will actually feed 5 children for a whole month. To learn more, visit erdo.ca/cookies.
Late June, Katie took part in VBS at her local church. Under the direction of Pastor Jeremy Simms, the group set a goal of $4200, and from there Katie spun into action. I asked her why she wanted to do her own fundraiser, and for her it was simple, “because it is helpful and kind to help those children who don’t have any food.”
Katie found her bracelet kit and went to work making her own creative necklaces while her mom, Jennifer, posted pictures of each one and sold them over social media. (Left: One of Katie’s unique designs.) Katie went on to say that it took at least 10 hours, but in the end she felt great about it. “I’m helping Jesus and the Church,” she exclaimed. By putting her own skills, creativity, and compassion to use, Katie raised a total of $370! (Right/Bottom: Katie & one of her generous donors/happy customers, Cathy Sturge.)
Throughout the week, many children of Westside Tabernacle undertook projects to do their part and people gave generously. By week’s end, they surpassed their goal and raised 6007.25!
Lots of adults give to help other people, but Katie has taught us that kids can make a big difference too, so I had one last question for her, “Is there any advice you would give to kids your age who want to step up like you did?” Her response? “I would tell them they can do anything!”
Because of many generous people just like Katie and her friends at Westside, we are excited to be the top fundraiser for Cookies for Kids to date, raising almost 10% of the overall income. So keep changing the world Miss Katie, you and everyone like you, one bead, one donation, one cookie, one person at a time.
Kayla Joy
Director of Next Gen Ministries
