100 Kids Who Care: Friendship, fun, and the power to affect positive change in their community

When Melissa and her 10-year-old daughter, Ema, moved to Quinte just over a year ago, they were eager to connect with their new community. In their former home of Durham Region, they had seen the magic of 100 Kids Who Care—a youth-led giving circle that turns small individual contributions into big collective impact. Ema, a kind-hearted and community-minded kid with a soft spot for helping children and animals, was determined to bring it here. Together, she and Melissa launched 100 Kids Who Care Quinte, with Ema choosing the charities and rallying her peers for the inaugural event.

On August 9th, local kids gathered at Film.ca Theatres in Trenton for the launch. Each arrived with $10 of their own money—a key part of the model that gives kids ownership and pride in their giving. They heard short, engaging presentations from three local charities, then voted for the cause they felt most passionate about. All the $10 contributions were pooled, and with a boost from the MA Cares Initiative at Mortgage Architects, the total gift was amplified for even greater impact. The winning organization, The Children's Foundation, received $650 to support local kids and families in need.

Presenting for The Children's Foundation was its brand-new Executive Director, Ingrid Moore, on just her fourth day in the role. She asked the kids to imagine if their little brother or sister didn't have a car seat, crib, or stroller, and explained how the foundation helps families in need with these essentials. She also shared how the organization opens doors for children and youth through programs like camp sponsorships, sports and music lessons, and scholarships—opportunities that can be life-changing.

The morning's movie, Bad Guys 2, was a fitting choice: a redemption story about the value of doing good. Between the film's theme and the real-world act of giving that preceded it, the message was clear: doing good feels great!

For 10-year-old Ema, the driving force behind bringing 100 Kids Who Care to Quinte, that's exactly the point. "It makes me feel important—it feels really good," she says. "I just think more kids should get into it so they can feel the joy of helping others. Not a lot of kids know how good this feels."

Sponsors helped make the morning extra special. Local realtor Travis Randell of Exit Realty provided treats, Film.ca Theatres offered up extra hours in the theatre, and SproutIQ added a fun photo booth to capture the memories. Parents stayed to enjoy the event and witness firsthand how this initiative builds leadership, empathy, and confidence in their kids.

"Often kids feel they don't have a say in anything," Ema explains. "Here, they do. There's power in your voice, and your vote makes a difference."

Melissa plans for 100 Kids Who Care Quinte to host an annual event, allowing time to build maximum participation. But she hopes this event's success inspires others to get involved or even host additional events. "This does a lot of good," she says. "The more kids who take part, the bigger the impact."

To register a child, suggest a charity, or learn more, visit 100kidswhocare.ca.