90 Airdrie Kids Donate $1,000 to Local Disability Charity

When 90 kids walked into Glitch Gaming Lounge in October, each carrying $10, they weren't there to play games. They were there to change lives in their community.

100 Kids Who Care Airdrie brought together young people ages 5 to 17 for their quarterly giving event. Three local charities presented their work, and the kids voted to support Vecova Airdrie, an organization that provides disability services and support.

The concept is beautifully simple. Kids bring $10 from their allowance or earnings, listen to three charity presentations, and vote democratically on where their collective donation goes. In October, that meant handing over more than $1,000 to help people with disabilities in their community.

Kelly Boudreau, one of the adult leaders, says the experience pushes kids outside their comfort zones in the best way. They learn about public speaking, community needs, and the power of collective action. For many, it's their first real introduction to charitable giving.

The group started in 2016 and has weathered challenges including a shutdown during the pandemic. But Boudreau and her co-founder parents refused to let the initiative die. They believed too strongly in what these kids were learning and accomplishing together.

Now the group is thriving again with renewed energy. A steering committee of five teenagers between 12 and 15 runs the meetings, handles marketing, and manages operations. Boudreau says they're becoming so skilled that they could soon run the organization independently.

The Ripple Effect

The impact goes far beyond the dollars donated. Parents are engaged in teaching their kids about community responsibility. Neighbors share the group's Facebook page. Colleagues donate money to support the cause. The entire Airdrie community has rallied around these young philanthropists.

The steering committee members are learning real leadership skills that will serve them for life. They're discovering that age doesn't limit your ability to make a difference. And younger members are watching these teenagers, seeing what's possible when you step up.

Boudreau says the support reflects Airdrie's small-town spirit, where people genuinely care about each other and want to help. The energy at each meeting is electric as kids see their individual $10 become collective power.

The group meets three to four times yearly and is actively seeking more local charities to present, proving these kids are just getting started.