By COLE HAYES
Giving back to the community and those in need is an important aspect of our society and Kid2Kid will be doing that on Saturday, June 3, when it hosts a marketplace at the Beaches Recreation Centre.
“Kid2Kid is a non-profit organization that my friend Caroline (Thomson) and I started in 2019 in our community to provide a hands-on way for kids to volunteer to give back to other kids in need,” said Shah Ruby, one of the organization’s founders.
Ruby and Thomson started Kid2Kid because these opportunities for younger kids to give back weren’t present.
“We didn’t find many volunteer opportunities for younger kids so we thought we would create our own,” said Thomson. “We want to involve children in volunteer work at a young age so they can understand that their actions are impactful.”
On June 3, Kid2Kid will be putting those words into action.
The marketplace will feature approximately 40 young entrepreneurs selling decorative items as well as snacks. There will also be free face painting and balloons as well as an adult lounge. The marketplace will also have a silent auction where people will have the opportunity to bid on items from local businesses in the Beach.
“Huge shoutout to Beaches Recreation Centre, especially Roland (Roushias) for his support and Frank (Domagala) for his great ideas,” said Ruby.
“Kid2Kid aims to encourage children to spread kindness through their actions,” said Thomson. “This is a lifelong lesson that will contribute to them being empathetic and caring humans. We want to provide opportunities for kids to help others in need.”
Along with the goal of providing kids with the opportunity to give back to those in need, Kid2Kid looks to provide school supplies for children.
“Every child deserves to be set up for success at school and we hope to contribute to that,” said Thomson.
Kid2Kid is helping kids in Toronto and around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The kid-led initiatives are teaching the young participants that their actions are impactful and the lessons that they learn with the organization have a great impact on the lives of their peers.
The Kid’s Marketplace will be held at Beaches Recreation Centre on Saturday June. 3, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fifty per cent of the proceeds from the marketplace will go towards Kid2Kid initiatives and the other half will go towards the young entrepreneurs.
If you know any youth that would like to be an entrepreneur at the marketplace or would like to volunteer to gain community involvement hours, please email beacheskid2kid@gmail.com
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