By Sue Tiffin

Published Feb. 14 2019

Lincoln worked around the house and helped out in exchange for some money to donate. Harper was gifted some cash from the tooth fairy for the loss of her first tooth and brought it along.

Zebedee shovelled snow from the deck to earn some funds to pass on. Hawksley separated 10 per cent from his allowance savings Tristan gave his birthday money and Jordyn contributed from her baby sitting pay.

More than three dozen young philanthropists came prepared with up to $10 for the inaugural meeting of the 100 Kids Who Care Haliburton County giving circle group held in Minden on Feb. 5 pouring their donations into a jar of a collective fund they would gift to one chosen charity at the end of the night.

Prior to the meeting beginning the kids gathered had the chance to look closely at a stuffed owl see photos of rehabilitated animals as well as activities that take place in the area flip through brochures detailing the benefits of horse therapy and speak with representatives from three charities that received the most votes during advance registration to present this time to the group: Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary Point in Time Centre for Children Youth & Parents and Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association Inc.

Monika Melichar spoke for Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary detailing the work the Minden-based wildlife rehabilitation centre does to care for orphaned and injured wildlife. Kendra Curry spotlighted the programs like day camps that Point in Time organizes to help children and families experiencing difficulties and helped lead the gathered group in yoga exercises for mindfulness. Jennifer Semach and Gerry Sutcliffe shared the work being done at Walkabout Farm encouraging group participants to feel the weight of one bucket of food for Casey a rescue horse who is in rehabilitation to become a therapy horse on the Minden-based farm.

A vote was taken by paper ballot with kids using markers to colour in their choice and the first charity supported by the 100 Kids Who Care group was announced: Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary. The kids presented Melichar with funds gathered that evening which totalled $400.

The local group concept was organized by Cheryl Hamilton and Joleen Thomas but the event was and will continue to be largely kid and teenager-run. Space at the Minden community centre was sponsored by Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd.

A second meeting will take place later this year likely in a Haliburton location and interested school-aged youth from anywhere in the county are welcome to join in at any time. For more information visit 100 Kids Who Care Haliburton County on Facebook.