Saugeen First Nation is thanking two children from Ancaster for raising money to help the community during its COVID-19 outbreak.
Band Councillor Doran Ritchie says in a YouTube video with the family, eight year old Cohen and six year old Ella’s original plan was to raise awareness about COVID-19 and give free painted rocks to thier community.
“Inadvertently, they turned around and they raised $300 for our community,” says Ritchie.
Eight year old Cohen explains, “We knew Saugeen First Nation was having a big outbreak of COVID, and we needed to do a craft, so we did cool rocks, and we said ‘they’re free,’ but every single person that came—paid.”
Cohen says he and his sister Ella painted over 100 rocks.
Ritchie says, “It certainly touches the heart strings when you have children taking the initiative.”
He adds, “A six and eight year old brother and sister reaching out and raising over $300 for our community —and that’s the message they wanted to promote today, wellness, safety, vaccinations and to enjoy the summer.”
Ritchie has an eight year old daughter and says, “That’s the same messaging that I tell her. We always have to stay safe…and our masks protect us and our vaccines protect us.”
“This made my day,” says Ritchie, adding, “There’s been a lot of people that have been contributing and donating time, resources and finances, but I think it always hits home a lot harder when our children reach out and talk to us about the importance of safety and vaccinations.”
“This is very near and dear to our hearts. I’m going to put these on display,” says Ritchie.