Residents of the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre provided the Children’s Wish Foundation with unexpected support as the group donated the proceeds of their bottle and can collections to the charitable organization.
Throughout 2015, the group collected $2,200 in recycling refunds and unanimously decided to use the money to help children.
“We figure that helping the children is the way to go with making donations,” said Tim Buckingham. “They don’t have choices in their circumstances. If we can do something that will make them happier through their tough times, we decided that that was the way to go.”
“I think wealth comes from the heart,” said Brian Sproul. “I think sharing any wealth or paying it forward is a great thing especially around Christmas and especially for the kids.”
On Friday, members of the group presented the Children’s Wish Foundation with a cheque for $1,000.
“To have people, who are already dealing with their own issues, step up and help…you have brought us to tears in this office,” said Julie Hamilton, a Wish mom, during the presentation.
“If you take a look at their donation as the percentage of what they have in the bank, they’re giving it all.”
Lonnie King has spent nearly a year at the Drop-In Centre and is in the process of getting an apartment. He hopes the donation will help change the perception Calgarians hold of Drop-In Centre residents but he’s not holding his breath.
“We’re the people that no one wants to look at,” said King. “We’re the people that they don’t want to even know about. That's just the way it is and I understand that.”
In addition to the Children’s Wish Foundation, the Drop-In Centre residents made a donation to the Alberta Children’s Hospital to purchase four televisions and Christmas gifts for patients.
With files from CTV's Kevin Green
