Youth Group Raises $940 for Cats, Nears 100 Members

When 60 young people pool their allowances and birthday money, something magical happens for their community.

100 Kids for Change Oceanside just donated $940 to CatSpan Ferals, a charity that's been rescuing abandoned and stray cats in the Oceanside area for nearly 30 years. The February gift marked the youth group's second anniversary since launching in 2024.

The donation came from three sources working together. Members aged 18 and under contributed $430 of their own money, the Rotary Club of Parksville matched that amount, and Parksville Lions Club added another $80.

But the real news is how the Lions Club is helping 100 Kids grow. Through a new campaign called Operation: 100, the Lions donate $10 for every new member who attends a meeting, up to 10 members per gathering. Eight new kids joined at the February meeting, bringing total membership past 60.

The money is going to work immediately. Last year alone, CatSpan helped more than 200 cats receive veterinary care, foster homes, and adoptions. Their spay and neuter programs have significantly reduced feral cat populations across Oceanside.

The Ripple Effect

This story shows what happens when generations collaborate. Adult service clubs aren't just writing checks. They're teaching young people the power of collective giving and matching their enthusiasm dollar for dollar.

The kids decide everything themselves. Four times a year, members bring $10, nominate local charities, and vote on where their pooled money goes. No adults making decisions for them.

In just two years, these young philanthropists have donated nearly $7,000 to Oceanside charities. That's roughly $116 per member, proving you don't need deep pockets to make a deep impact.

CatSpan runs entirely on volunteers and donations, accepting everything from cat food to foster families. Every dollar from 100 Kids helps abandoned animals find safety and homes through their website at catspanferals.com.

The youth are proving that giving circles aren't just for wealthy adults at fundraising galas.