Dear Editor,

I would like to share the details of a charity that I started. It’s called Backpacks For Kids and it gives backpacks full of supplies away to anyone going through a tough financial time in Norfolk County . I do not ask for income verification. This means that paycheck to paycheck is welcome to sign up as well as someone on government assistance. I am currently in my 4th year and have given away 211 backpacks. Each recipient receives $41 worth of backpacks and supplies and high school kids receive $60-70 worth of backpacks and supplies.

This program does NOT incur any expenses. All expenses are out-of-pocket. This means that every dollar going into the program goes back to the community. And every item bought is bought in the community. True recycling!

Fundraiser: I have one fundraiser every year. This fundraiser is called Jamm ‘n Auction and is being held on June 10th at 7pm at the Trinity Anglican Church in Waterford , Ontario . It’s a really cool idea that brings high school kids from across Norfolk together to help raise money and showcase their talent. This is not a recital. Recitals are boring! I tell the kids that they are to come with a music list of songs that they already know and plan to share that music with kids from other schools. This year, I have ½ dozen kids from Waterford, a band from Holy Trinity, a guitarist/singer from Holy Trinity, and 3 musicians/singers from Port Dover. Unforeseen bonus: I have had people ask for contact information and, as such, this jamm can be a stepping stone for better things for the kids. How cool is that?!

It’s not enough!!!!!!

Pepsi Refresh: I want to expand into Haldimand County . The only way to expand Backpacks For Kids is by applying for a $10,000 grant from Pepsi Canada . This $10,000 would allow me to give away approximately 150 backpacks to kids in Haldimand County thereby making this a true Haldimand-Norfolk Charity.

THE APPLICATION GOT ACCEPTED ON THE FIRST TRY ! Whooo! This grant will only be awarded based on popular vote. This means that I need to find as many people as possible to go to

www.refresheverything.ca

create a login and vote for Backpacks For Kids. Voting is currently taking place NOW and will continue until June 30th.

Wow! A lot is definitely going on here, but this is just the surface. Want more? Then please check me out on FB @ www.facebook.com/BackpacksForKids .

Thank you for taking the time to read what I have been doing for Haldimand and Norfolk County .

Sincerely,

Marlene Hiltz
email: hiltzma@yahoo.ca