Turning sweet 16 for many youths means getting the latest smartphone or hottest fashions at the mall.
But Sheliza Kassam turned her birthday party and gifts into ongoing celebrations for children in crisis in Calgary.
The teen chose to forgo her party and instead used the money that would have been spent to organize a birthday party for all the children staying at the Inn From the Cold homeless shelter.
“It’s designed to make the shelter feel more like a home for the youth staying there.”
The generous gesture in February became a monthly event with Kassam soliciting sponsorship and donations from businesses and the community. Coca-Cola donated $35,000 to sponsor a birthday party in the summer at Calaway Park and McDonald’s has also gotten involved.
Kassam also spread the word at school and at her mosque and now has other teenage volunteers helping her organize the Children’s Birthday Miracles, which average between 40 and 60 children each month.
via Compelling Calgarians: Philanthropy as simple as a party.
Ismailimail 