Children Helping Children Having Fun

How often do have parents hear lists of gift requests from their child as their birthday approaches?  Since it is such a natural thing, imagine your surprise to hear “Can we ask my friends to bring money and not toys for my birthday?” How quick are we to judge and think “What a greedy child. Wanting money!” and so we ask, “What do you need the money for?” And when a 6 year-old boy answers “So I can buy toys for children who have no Moms or Dads” what can you say to this except “Let’s do it.”

This is exactly the kind of conversation outgoing 6 year-old Yurij Kunyckyj had with his mother. He invited his whole Grade 1 Class to celebrate his 7^th Birthday in High Park on a superbly sunny day, June 6, 2009. At High Park, this energetic and motivated boy hosted a wonderful picnic and games. Of course, what birthday would be complete without a birthday cake?  In this respect, his birthday proceeded much in the traditional way children celebrate birthdays all over the world. The one difference being his focus on insisting this celebration is put to good use. And it was. Yurij would like to thank everyone who came for the fun day. Just as importantly, he would also like to thank the rest of his Grade 1 Class at All Saints Catholic Elementary School, who, even though they could not attend the party, donated to his cause. “Help Us Help the Children” is the well-deserved beneficiary of this donation. They indeed work with orphaned children providing them with necessities such as food, health care, clothing, education as well as opportunities for camping.   Thank you Yurij, for leading the way with your heart and enriching “Help Us Help the Children” not only by raising the [whopping] sum of $533, but also for taking such a wonderful initiative. Thank you to your parents for helping you organize such an endeavour. And also, thank you to your teachers for fostering the spirit of sharing, caring, and being appreciative of what we have.

Daria