Giving back to their community is something Jack and Regan Manson simply enjoy doing.
This summer, the siblings decided to host a lemonade stand where they sold handmade key chains. Once the snow began to fall, the duo decided it would be fun to host a hot chocolate stand at the end of their driveway, where they also sold Christmas ornaments - all to raise money for Christmas Cheer Barrie.
“It did start to rain down on us halfway through and we had to run into the garage. But we did still raise $250,” said Jack, 8, adding every year their mom takes them to buy presents to donate for Christmas Cheer.
“She didn't know if they would be accepting toys this year … and I want every kid to get presents on Christmas."
The Midhurst siblings began making the ornaments shortly after Halloween and completed 60 ornaments by the time they were done. The hand-crafted ornaments are made with perler beads that are ironed together.
After their Dec. 11 fundraiser, the kids went shopping and picked out a few toys to donate to the toy drive - with the remaining $200 being donated to Christmas Cheer Barrie.
Knowing their efforts will help other kids is definitely a good feeling, they admit.
"It makes me really happy," said Jack. Regan, 5, agreed: “Awesome, I hope they smile."
Jessica and Patrick Manson told BarrieToday that as parents who have tried to teach their children the importance of community and charitable giving, it made them very proud to know Jack and Regan were thinking of ways to help and give to others.
“We moved to Midhurst a year ago, and this community is just so incredible. We feel very lucky so many came out to support and encourage our children,” said Jessica.
“They were shocked to have raised $250 in just the short time we were outside and it provided us with a great conversation about the value of people working together to help others," said the proud mom.
“We hope others will be inspired to donate and help their favourite charity during these difficult times. Jack and Regan say thank you to everyone who helped them raise money,” added Patrick.
Natasha Halikas, social media and public relations manager with Barrie & District Christmas Cheer, told BarrieToday they feel inspired when they see the warmth and kindness in the younger generation.
“Jack and Regan are prime examples of two extremely thoughtful and grateful kids who are already doing great things for the community," said Halikas.
"Instilling these values in our young people, and exposing them to new perspectives, is so important, and we're so lucky that we get to witness the kids in our community doing incredibly generous things,” she said.
“We couldn't accomplish what we do each year without the community's support. Every year we witness the strength that Barrie and the surrounding area has. Even amidst a pandemic, they've rallied together to help 1,700 families this year who just need a leg up.”
