100 Kids

We are still trying to teach Margot the value of money. She got a bit fed up with the "Save" and "Spend" idea that we tried last year. Interestingly, it's not that she was spending her money frivolously. Instead, she was trying to save all her allowance and get her parents to buy her extra things like ice cream.

Hmmm...smart cookie.

But last week something new presented itself: 100 Kids Ottawa.

It's basically a charitable event run by kids, for kids. Children who attend are asked to bring $10 from their allowance to give to one of three charities. I emphasize "their" allowance because parents aren't allowed to just give money to the child for the sole purpose of the event. Giving away their own money is supposed to matter to the kids.

Anyways, at the event, three kids each present a charity of their choice. Then all the kids in attendance secretly vote on the three charities and the charity that gets the most votes gets all the money.

Margot really wanted to go, especially because her best friends, E and S, were already going. So we packed our bags and headed to Ottawa City Hall, which is where the event was held.

This was the first inaugural 100 Kids event in Ottawa (similar events have been held elsewhere before). 53 kids** showed up and the kid who organized it (who goes to Margot's school) gave a good speech to start the ball rolling.

If the world were run by children...it would be an interesting place!

 She was followed by the Mayor who gave a very Mayoral-type speech* and then three kids presented their charities, which were:

• Canadian Turkish Heritage Foundation 
• Innovative Community Support Services (supporting those with disabilities)
• Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind

Guess which one won? Hmmm room full of kids... images of cute puppies...the Guide Dog charity of course! But it was a fun event all around and no one seemed disappointed.

Suprisingly, Margot, E, and S each voted for a different charity

They are supposed to hold 100 Kids events every 4 months and Margot says she wants to keep going. If she can keep this up I will be impressed because that will amount to 1/4 of her her current allowance going to charity. Not bad!

* Ottawa's Mayor is a nice guy. Think of the most daddest-dad guy in the world. Then put glasses on that fellow. That's him!

** "100"Kids is the aspirational title!