Some youth think of others before themselves. Lee-Amber Laderoute is one of those youth.
The 12-year-old young girl has been busy organizing a number of fundraisers to be held at Gordon F. Kells School on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society. Laderoute has decided upon eight fundraisers that she hopes will raise $2,000 for the cause.
"It started out with a crazy dream that got me thinking," said Laderoute. "There is a lot of suffering in the world, and there are things that I can do to help. I don't think that it's a lot to ask to help those in need. If it were me or a member of my family, I would hope that someone would see it in their heart to help. That's why anyone does this really. Love."
Laderoute, who has scheduled the fundraisers for Nov. 25 (her thirteenth birthday), will be busy raising money from now up until that date. "I chose to do this on my birthday because it occurred to me that it would be nice to give, instead of receive. This is my chance to really do some good in the world, and to get others involved too."
One of the main events that is sure to spark some interest is the "Head Shave," where Laderoute will find her chin-length hair disappearing before her very eyes. When asked why she chose to shave her head, Laderoute said, "Well, first of all, it's going to grow back. Not only do I get to raise money by shaving my head, but I also get to raise someone's self-esteem by donating it."
"I would love to raise $2,000. But if all I got was one donation, I would still shave my heads so as not to disappoint that one person. Every little bit helps right?" Laderoute will be donating her hair to an organization that provides wigs for those affected by cancer.
In addition, Gordon F. Kells, Carlyle Elementary School and Whitebear Education Complex will be holding "Caps for Cancer Day" on Nov. 25 where students and teachers can donate $2 to Laderoute's cause and wear their hat throughout the day. Bottle collections will also take place where people can call Laderoute and they will pick up the bottles if need be.
There is a "Penny Sale" and the boards will be circulating between North American Lumber, King's Department Store and Pharmasave. More than 12 prize bins are expected to be given out with donated prizes from local businesses filling the bins.
In addition, for those in the community that wish to donate to the cause but are unable to attend the school on Nov. 25, there are a number of options. Donation jars have been left at businesses in town including Home Hardware, Pharmasave, Kings Department Store, and Bits n Pieces. There will also be a 50/50 draw. Boards have been set up at New Dimensions, Kings Department Store, 8 Words Cafe, Pharmasave and Bits n Pieces.
And the fun continues. One of the events that Laderoute is looking forward to the most is the "Sponge Soak Your Teacher" event to be held at noon on Nov. 25.
Laderoute encourages everyone to come out and take part in the fundraising activities that are taking place at Gordon F. Kells on Nov. 25 at noon. Those wishing to donate to the cause are encouraged to contact Lee-Amber's mother, Christine, at 575-7066. Donations of more than $20 are eligible for an income tax receipt.
