The City of Colwood recognized two residents for good works through its Pay it Forward program at a council meeting Monday night.
Kaelyn Abrahamson, 7, received the honour for raising money to help sick youth at Children’s Hospital. Through a poinsettia sale she raised $700, far exceeding her goal of $100. She now plans to sell Mother’s Day hanging baskets in the spring to keep the good work going.
Niki Ottosen started her Christmas Backpack project in 2008 and has continued it ever since. Each Christmas she and aunt Dawna Engbrecht put together backpacks of warm clothes, personal hygiene items, food and treats for the homeless.
Year one saw 20 backpacks passed out to the homeless and in 2013 130 care packages were put together, thanks to Ottosen and a donation box at Colwood Thrifty Foods.
“Kaelyn, Niki and Dawna need no encouragement,” said Mayor Carol Hamilton in a press release. “Their generous actions inspire each of us to act on our instinct to help, no matter what age we are or how wealthy we are.”
To contribute to next year’s Christmas Backpack project contact city hall at 250-478-5999. To pledge money for a Mother’s Day hanging basket contact the Abrahamson family at kaelynforkids@gmail.com
The Pay It Forward program recognizes and encourages acts of kindness and generosity in the community, Mayor Carol Hamilton explained in a press release.
Nominations for the program can be made by visiting colwood.ca/payitforward.