Healthy Kids • Support the Y • YMCA Child Care • YMCA Events
3 reasons to challenge your kids to give back to their community
17 May 2019 - by Dawn Yan
Teaching our kids the importance of giving back shouldn't be limited to holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukkah. In fact, many parents believe that philanthropy is the gift that keeps on giving and encourage their kids to support charitable causes year round.
Here are 3 reasons parents love challenging their children to give back:
It should go without saying that, despite their age, children are capable of making an immeasurable impact in their community. Volunteering and fundraising may start as a feel-good activity for kids. But it almost always turns into something more meaningful down the road.
Kids are often surprised to see the impact they make by simply speaking up for a cause they believe in. Though they may be small, their voice is mighty! When we encourage our children to participate in events that better the community, we open up a world of opportunity for them to ask questions and learn more about philanthropy — all while reminding them that their voice and opinions matter.
By encouraging our kids to step out of their comfort zone and fundraise to help others, we help them recognize their privilege. But more importantly, we teach them that the sense of accomplishment we get from helping others is worth more than material things. On top of that, children who start philanthropic work early tend to continue fundraising as adults. Wouldn’t it be awesome to see your child teach their future children about philanthropy, too?
Your child’s cuteness factor definitely helps strike up a conversation with your neighbours when fundraising. But beyond that, most people love seeing how eager and passionate children are about making a difference in their community. That passion can inspire others to take action, get involved, and donate to a good cause.
When children fundraise for charities like the Y and events like Kids Challenge, they help us build healthier communities for others to thrive in too!
Not familiar with Kids Challenge? Here are some examples of what the money you and your child raise could do:
On May 23, more than 20,000 kids across the GTA will be walking in the YMCA Kids Challenge to raise money for their communities. With a fundraising goal of $250,000 this year, our kids need your support now more than ever! To learn more about Kids Challenge or to make a donation, please visit our website.
Here are 3 reasons parents love challenging their children to give back:
1. It gives young children a voice
It should go without saying that, despite their age, children are capable of making an immeasurable impact in their community. Volunteering and fundraising may start as a feel-good activity for kids. But it almost always turns into something more meaningful down the road.Kids are often surprised to see the impact they make by simply speaking up for a cause they believe in. Though they may be small, their voice is mighty! When we encourage our children to participate in events that better the community, we open up a world of opportunity for them to ask questions and learn more about philanthropy — all while reminding them that their voice and opinions matter.
2. Giving offers children a sense of accomplishment
By encouraging our kids to step out of their comfort zone and fundraise to help others, we help them recognize their privilege. But more importantly, we teach them that the sense of accomplishment we get from helping others is worth more than material things. On top of that, children who start philanthropic work early tend to continue fundraising as adults. Wouldn’t it be awesome to see your child teach their future children about philanthropy, too?3. Budding philanthropists help strengthen and inspire the community
Your child’s cuteness factor definitely helps strike up a conversation with your neighbours when fundraising. But beyond that, most people love seeing how eager and passionate children are about making a difference in their community. That passion can inspire others to take action, get involved, and donate to a good cause.When children fundraise for charities like the Y and events like Kids Challenge, they help us build healthier communities for others to thrive in too!
Not familiar with Kids Challenge? Here are some examples of what the money you and your child raise could do:
- $35 can help a child (who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it) learn to swim at a YMCA Health & Fitness Centre
- $50 can help give a teen a safe space to spend their weekends, where they can play sports instead of video games
- $250 will provide half a year of drop-in services for a street-involved youth
- $500 will provide a full week of meals and a safe place to sleep for a homeless youth
On May 23, more than 20,000 kids across the GTA will be walking in the YMCA Kids Challenge to raise money for their communities. With a fundraising goal of $250,000 this year, our kids need your support now more than ever! To learn more about Kids Challenge or to make a donation, please visit our website.
