CANADA
May 2000
QUEBEC CANADA
12
- 15 Years Old
Caritlin M.
Caitlin enjoys volunteering with seniors in her community and
believes that by continuing to work with the elderly, she is "working with
them to keep their dreams alive." She has coordinated a gift-giving
project with the Manior, a local residence for senior citizens, in which
local children are paired with residents to give a small gift or card during
the Christmas season.
For some residents, this gift re the only present they receive all
year. Caitlin also participates in an annual tea in which teenagers serve
tea and goodies to residents at the Manoir.
Annmarie S.
Inspired by her friend Chanelle, who has cystic fibrosis, Annmarie
helped to organize a benefit show, receiving support from the municipality,
local media and merchants who donated the venue and gifts for door prizes.
Annemarie also raised $1,500 for cystic fibrosis research.
Stéphanie P. and Marine T.
Stéphanie and Marine wanted to improve the environment
around the lake in their village, and worked to create a community clean-up
day. Several volunteers, friends and relatives joined Stéphanie
and Marine in the clean-up, and the lake is now an attractive and clean
environment. The girls hope that their initiative "will inspire the people
of our community to keep their environment as clean as possible."
Valérie L.
Valérie corresponds regularly with a girl with dysphasia
and has learned that everyone can contribute to society, regardless of
their intellectual challenges Her letters have helped bring happiness and
encouragement into the girl's life.
Marika W.
Since the age of five, Marika has organized seven march-a-thons
at her local school, raising $25,000 for cystic fibrosis research. She
also speaks with other classes in her school to educate other students
about the disease Her educational and fundraising work has continued, and
Marika recently organized an art sale which raised an additional $8,000.
Sophie W.
During the l998 Ice Storm in Quebec, Sophie volunteered for 17
hours a day at local shelters for the elderly and disabled. For 20 days,
she helped to welcome people to the shelters, serve meals, wash dishes
and help clear. Sophie says that "thanks to that catastrophe, I discovered
that volunteering helps you grow."
Michael D.
When he was 10 years old, Michael founded the Junior Panda Club,
a nature protection club which helps to raise awareness about the environment.
Through the Club, he has raised more than $560 which was then donated to
the world wildlife Fund. He also gathered signatures on WWF petitions,
and had five petitions with more than 1,000 signatures.
David J.
David is active in his community as a member of a Catholic pastoral
group. Cub Scouts and his school's Students Council. At his school, David
initiated a project to create a permanent meeting space for the Students
Council, and now plans to improve the school's study room and cafeteria.