VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Youth led Oceanside group bringing kids together to create change
Youth led Oceanside group bringing kids together to create change
Youth led Oceanside group bringing kids together to create change
Friday 30th May 2025
Discover how 100 Kids For Change Oceanside empowers youth to support local charities through collective donations.
24 minutes
Inspiring
Encouraging
Supportive
Informative
Hopeful
About this podcast
Author:
VIMHS
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Youth Power: Creating Change One Tenner at a Time
Episode Overview
- 100 Kids For Change Oceanside pools £10 donations from youth to support local charities.
- Members present and vote on charities, learning about community needs.
- The initiative fosters skills in public speaking and money management.
- Inspired by adult groups, it empowers youth to be active change-makers.
- Janel Van Dongen plans succession for ongoing impact.
"It's not just about the money; it's about learning and being part of the community."
Imagine a group of young people pooling their pocket money to create real change in their community. That's exactly what Janel Van Dongen has achieved with 100 Kids For Change Oceanside. Inspired by adult groups like 100 Women Who Care Oceanside, Janel founded this youth-led initiative on Vancouver Island. The concept is simple yet powerful: every three months, kids gather, each bringing £10 and a charity to nominate.
After passionate presentations, they vote on which charity will receive their collective donation. This grassroots approach not only raises funds but also fosters community awareness among the young members. Janel shares her journey from the idea's inception to the group's recent milestone of surpassing the thousand-pound mark in donations. Her story is one of determination and collaboration, involving local organisations and even the Rotary Club for matching donations.
With members as young as six, the group has supported diverse causes, from wildlife recovery to food programmes for students. What's truly inspiring is how these young change-makers learn about local issues and develop skills in public speaking and money management. The meetings become a platform for learning and empowerment, turning kids into active participants in their community's well-being. Janel's enthusiasm for civic education shines through, as she reflects on the impact of voting and advocacy within the group.
As she plans for her own succession within 100 Kids, she encourages others to start small and take action, reminding us that every little effort counts. If you're curious about how young minds are making waves in Oceanside or looking for inspiration to start your own community initiative, this episode is a must-listen. It’s proof that with a bit of creativity and teamwork, even the smallest contributions can lead to big changes.