A group of youngsters in Parksville raised $185 for charity by shovelling neighbourhood driveways during their snow day off school on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Ten-year old Kai Carleton was part of the group of six elementary-school students ages seven to 12 who went around shovelling the driveways.
“It was lots of fun. We got to meet lots of nice people, got to make friends, have lots of fun,” said Kai.
“It makes me feel great! I’m really happy.”
A neighbour initially suggested that they go out and shovel driveways for charity, and the kids ran with the idea. The group of six worked on each driveway together.
Kai says they’re thinking about donating the money to B.C. Children’s Hospital, although they haven’t fully decided yet.
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“We decided that we wanted to help the kids that are in need of more medical assistance,” said Kai.
Kai’s dad, Graeme Carleton, says he’s very proud of his son and friends. The group was out for about three-and-a-half hours. The children went up to each house and offered to clear the driveway for free if people didn’t have the money to donate.
“They cleared one whole condo complex for seniors, which was down off Bay Avenue,” said Graeme.
“And several driveways, and the next condo complex at the end of Dogwood.”
Graeme says the neighbourhood was very generous.
“Their generosity was amazing. There were lots of people that gave them $20,” he said.
“One man … was basically rude to them, and told them they wouldn’t be able to do a good job, and told them to go away. They cleared a pathway for him anyway, in case he needed it. I’m so proud of them. It was amazing.”