A group of local teens have launched a fundraising campaign for birthday boxes of gifts for children in foster care.
The three teens behind the Fundtasia project are Mia Zhang of Newmarket and Lana Tim and Eliana Mahadeo of Bradford.
The friends originally started the program with the intention of earning high school volunteer hours, and as a way to help families in need pay for birthday presents.
"We then decided to start this fundraiser with the intention of helping children/youth in our community," said Mahadeo.
With high inflation rates at their highest since 1983, the young ladies understand that little extras such as birthday gifts may not be in the budget for some.
They have teamed up with Together We Rise, a non-profit organization that helps to improve the lives of children in foster care.
"This is important to us because we would like to help kids like us, who may not be able to celebrate their birthday. We wanted to give these kids the opportunity to feel seen, cared for and loved on their birthdays. We would like to help others and hopefully make a difference to children and youth," said Mahadeo.
All money raised goes toward the Birthday Boxes that will be gifted to children and youth through Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions. Their goal is to raise $3,000 by Aug. 21, which is when the campaign ends.
The group will be canvassing Aug. 2 to 4 to collect cash donations and promote the campaign.
To learn more about the program and donate, visit the campaign website here, or find them on Instagram here.
