The Foundation Celebrates 8-Year-Old Donor: Jack

At the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation, we are in constant awe of this community of ours. As residents and visitors of the Bow Valley donate their time, funds, and support to the health care of our community, we are so proud of the philanthropic spirit we are surrounded by.

What’s more, we are beginning to see the passion and impact of the Bow Valley’s young philanthropists. With that, we are excited to share the story of Jack: the Foundation’s youngest donor. 

Last year, Jack made a $100 contribution to the Foundation for the first time, a donation made with money he earned from his chores throughout the year. This year, Jack became a repeat donor, contributing $50 to the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation and $50 to another local charity. 

Jessie, Jack’s mom, told us that last year was “such a rewarding experience for him” and that “he works hard all year and saves some of his money for charity.” When asked where Jack would like to direct his donation, he said that the staff knew best what the hospital needed, although he wished that his donation could be used to fix all illnesses and injuries.

We chatted with Jack and Jessie to learn more about Jack’s story and to inspire other young folks in the community to find passion in giving as he has. 

Jack is an 8-year-old grade three student at Alpenglow in Canmore. He told us that he was inspired to donate to the Foundation to help “save lives or other people around the world” and he thought it was a “great way to help people.”  

He told us that he had earned his money from his chores such as “cleaning up the living room and the boot room,” for example. He shared that this structure is part of what his family calls their “family economy.” 

Jessie told us that the kids do chores to earn their allowance each week and as part of the family economy, they keep 60% for themselves, 30% goes into savings for their education when they turn 18, and 10% goes towards charity. “Then towards the end of the year we let them sort of think about who they want to donate to,” she shared.

When asked what Jack would tell his peers about the experience of donating to a local charity, he said he’d tell them that “it feels really good it donate.” 

Once more, we’re so proud of this community and inspiring young people like Jack. We’re pleased to share his story and to accept his generous contribution to the health of his community.