You are never too young to learn to experience the benefits of giving. Teaching generosity and kindness at a young age helps to shape a child’s life. Research suggests that as children grow, so does their desire to help others.
Siblings, Sadie and Will LeMoyne, already have a passion for philanthropy. Recently, they set up a lemonade stand in their west-end neighbourhood to support St. Joe’s. Together, they raised more than $130 to help our physicians, nurses and staff on the frontlines.
“I had to go there when I was sick and now, with COVID and lots of people are getting sick, I’m happy that St. Joe’s is there to take care of them so they can get better.”
“I wanted to raise money for St. Joe’s,” explains Sadie, 8. “I had to go there when I was sick and now, with COVID and lots of people are getting sick, I’m happy that St. Joe’s is there to take care of them so they can get better.
Her brother, Will, 5, is giving for an entirely different reason. COVID has kept him from seeing his friends for a long time and now he’s back in school now and happy to see them. “I hope there’s a vaccine for the virus soon,” he says. “I’m glad there are great doctors and nurses at St. Joe’s helping people who have COVID, but I had to get a test and didn’t like having the stick in my nose!”
Regardless of their reasons, teaching a child about giving is something that will stay with them throughout their lives. As we come into a season where we are thankful for all that we have, what better time is there than now to teach your children or grandchildren about ways they can support their community.
One way to make them proud of their giving is to match every dollar your child gives to charity so they can see that their generosity can have a far-reaching impact.
And if you chose to fundraise for St. Joes like Sadie and Will did, don’t forget to share how they are helping us keep the Promise to meet the needs of our west-end community!
