CANADA
May 2000
QUEBEC CANADA
8
- 11 Years Old
Karel-Jade D.
Karel-Jade is familiar with illness, having experienced 12 operations
for her spina bifida and hydrocephalus. As a result, she is committed to
helping other children in their journey toward better health. Last summer,
Karel-Jade telephoned well-known actors and musicians to ask for their
help in a cook-off to raise money for childhood diseases. More than $3,000
was raised for research. In her own words, "I keep smiling: one day, we
will all be cured."
Geneviève L.
Genevieve organized a drive in her school to collect food items and
medicine for victims of hurricane Mitch in Central America. In addition
to the collection, she helped to coordinate the
shipment that delivered the collected items to Honduras. Geneviève
says that "if it happened again, I wouldn't hesitate one minute before
carrying out another collection to help people.
Marie-Hélène N.
Along with a friend, Marie-Hélène collected toys,
handicrafts and treats that were given to poor children. She also co-wrote,
directed and performed in a play at her school to encourage "a school without
violence."
Marie-Michel M.
A cancer survivor, Marie-Michel has decorated and sold one-of-a-kind
handicrafts to raise
money for Operation Enfant-Soleil /The Children's Miracle Network She
has also participated
in the organization's telethon mid in two years has raised $12,500
She hopes to raise $8,000 in
2000.
Jessika S.
Through Amerindian dance, Jessika helps to educate others in her community
about the history and legends of her Huron-Wendat culture. She has performed
at her school's Multicultural Day and at other special events.
Karel T.
Upset by others who make fun of the disabled, Kate decided to
speak out. She takes time to explain to other children ways to interact
with the disabled, and encourages others to treat all people with respect.
"To help other people, we have to forget our prejudices and accept their
differences." says Karel.
Pamylie R.
For the past two years Pamylie has worked witb disabled children
in her school, by helping to dress and play, talk and sing with them. She
is committed to her volunteer work, and says that as long as there are
handicapped pupils at my school, there will be someone like me there for
them."
Marie-Ève C.
Marie-Ève's school is the only one in her city that accepts
disabled children. She spends time working with the students and encourages
others to accept people with differences. She hopes that her efforts to
create greater awareness and understanding will continue next year.
Geneviève P.
Geneviève participated in a special event to raise
money for a research foundation for childhood diseases She acted as a mascot
to entertain children during the event, and helps her friend, who
is confined to a wheelchair, by taking her out for walks and helping
out at school. Geneviève's hope is that her volunteer work will
help to "raise money to find a cure for children who are suffering."