Kids can make a difference. That’s the main message of the Kids for Causes group at Mountview Elementary.
Their main mission this Christmas: raise money for uninsured families who lost their homes to wildfires.
The group of Grade 4, 5 and 6 students has been working hard to create a number of handmade items to sell at a booth at the Cataline Craft fair on Nov. 25 and 26.
“We want to prove that just because we’re kids doesn’t mean we can’t help,” says Addyson Cullum.
The students are eager to show off some of the things they’ve been working on for the craft fair: candles, chalkboard table mats, painted rocks, and t-shirt handbags.
Some have worked at home, coming up with ideas with their parents for things they are planning on selling: hot chocolate on a stick, Christmas ornaments, birch tree candle holders and even stress balls.
Others have dipped into piggy banks, worked on extra chores around the house or held a bottle drive to contribute extra money to the cause.
“Kids care about the community just as much as adults do,” says Jadyn Grant.
The students aren’t in it for the accolades — in fact, the only reason they’re advertising what they are doing this year is to make sure they can raise the most amount possible for the people they are helping.
All of the projects are student driven. Students chose what they wanted to make and students themselves suggested selling their products at the craft fair.
“The number one thing we wanted to stress is citizenship, how to make a difference in the community,” says the teacher sponsor Shelly Peel.
It’s a message the students have taken to heart.
“We want people to feel hopeful,” says Ashtynn Cullum.
The wares will be on display at the Cataline Craft Fair, where people can also make a donation to the cause.
The craft fair runs on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The students say they are incredibly thankful to those who have already donated time, effort or money to preparing for the craft fair and raising money for the wildfire victims.
Still, they’re hopeful they can raise more.
“We want people to know we are there for them with anything they need to rebuild their homes,” says Elyse Seinen.
“We want them to know just because Williams Lake is a small town doesn’t mean we have small hearts,” says Lane Carson.
