“I want to help Windfall help other kids to have a good lifestyle like me.” Liam M., Age 10 “I feel that all other kids deserve the same things I have. That’s why I am helping Windfall.” Caleigh M., Age 12
“I have volunteered at Windfall since I was five. I like to be able to help other people.” Alex R., Age 9
“I love being a part of Windfall because I help people who do not have a lot and it makes me happy that I can help." Tristian P., Age 10
PICS OF ITEMS
New backpacks full of comforting items: a cuddly toy, book, a blanket, pajamas and a toothbrush.
There are children in Toronto who do not have adequate snowsuits, mittens and hats. It is a priority at Windfall to help them stay warm this winter.
A new backpack full of school supplies such as pencils, notebooks, binders, paper and pens to help kids succeed in school.
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WHAT IS IT? Windfall's Kids Club is an innovative new program specifically created for families with children between the ages of 4 and 12.The program's purpose is twofold: First, it engages members in philanthropy, teaching them the joy of helping others in need—especially their peers. Second, it allows members to help Windfall provide much-needed NEW Jo's comfort packs, snowsuits, winter wear, backpacks and school supplies for needy children entering shelters.
GET INVOLVED! One third of children in the GTA live below the poverty line. According to the Toronto Community Foundation's 2008 Vital Signs report, the Toronto Shelters' emergency occupancy rate rose almost 30% that year. Many children enter shelters with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Some experience frostbite due to inadequate winter clothing. Getting something new and useful helps to ease the trauma they are experiencing.
HOW IT WORKS Your child's initial membership fee is $25 per year ($20 is tax deductible!). Each member then commits to raising an additional $25 that year. Your child's total annual amount of $50 goes to help high-needs children who are entering shelters and whose entire lives have been turned upside down. Your donation provides a Jo's Comfort Pack that includes a blanket, a cuddly toy, a book, school supplies, pajamas and toothbrush PLUS your choice of an additional item: another Jo's* comfort pack a school backpack full of supplies or a snowsuit. All these items are NEW and help the children to gain a sense of hope. Jo's intention is to send the children a message that there are people out there who care about them. *Joanne Dereta, the founder of Jo's comfort packs
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Members have the opportunity to share their stories about how they raised money—for instance bake sales, lemonade stands, even sharing their allowance—in their bi-monthly newsletter. And children who received items are invited to share their stories about the difference this program has made in their lives. Through this exchange, members learn about the importance of giving back and gain concrete reinforcement about the difference they are making. At sign up, each member also receives a piggy bank in which to collect and store the money they raise so that they can watch their hard work grow!
READY TO SIGN UP? 1. Pay your $25 sign up fee using Paypal. You have just provided a child in a shelter with a brand-new Jo's Comfort Pack. 2. Raise $25 and have fun! 3. Go back to Paypal and pick which item you want to donate and pay your additional $25. 4. Return back here and email Jenny McGregor to tell her you are ready to create your very own postcard showing how you made a difference for a kid in need. Click here and type in the user name and password you got from Jenny. Have fun creating your postcard!
Here's your chance to tell everyone how you raised money for kids who need your help. You can also email your story and pics to jenny.mcgregor@windfallbasics.com and we will include them in upcoming newsletters!
To sign up, or for more information, contact: Jenny McGregor, |
SPECIAL THANKS
JO'S SNOWFLAKE FUND AT THE TORONTO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
JOANNE DERETA
THE CHARGER FOUNDATION