Newmarket's two young philanthropists are giving their heartfelt thanks to the community that helped them raise $1,630 for Inn From the Cold by supporting their Valentine fundraiser.
Sisters Manha Yusuf, 9, and Laiba Yusuf, 8, are pretty experienced at running charitable causes, as the Stonehaven Elementary School students began doing fundraisers and other projects more than two years ago to honour their late aunt.
Selling roses and fruit baskets for Valentine's Day was just their latest project.
"We got 65 orders," said Manha Yusuf. "We were only expecting 30 to 40 orders."
"That's a lot," added Laiba Yusuf.
The girls went out a day or two before Valentine's Day to deliver the orders themselves, which was a lot of work.
"It was hard work. But when they got them, they are all like 'thanks a lot,'" said Manha.
The sisters said they want to thank everyone who sent in an order. Their customers were also impressed.
"I want to thank you and your daughters for the roses and delivery today," wrote one customer named Catherine.
"They are so beautiful and smell amazing. My family loved them.
A wonderful thing you are doing to help Inn From The Cold!
I will definitely support your cause again and spread the word!"
The Yusuf sisters delivered the money to Inn From the Cold on Wednesday, where it was received by executive director Ann Watson.
Watson said the money will go toward the shelter's Sponsor a Night program, where people can help cover the cost of operating the shelter for a single night.
"Sponsoring a night costs about $450. We get donations from people of all walks of life, businesses, sports groups, churches, service clubs, families and these girls," said Watson.
"They raised $1,630, so that will cover 3.5 nights. That's incredible! They are very enterprising."
The sisters are not resting on their laurels and are already working on a Mother's Day fundraiser.
