Local kids moved to action after seeing the homeless crisis in Gatineau 

Sophie Demers

One day, on the way to go skating at a local arena, seven-year-old Teagan saw Gatineau's ‘Tent City’, a community of people experiencing homelessness in Gatineau. Seeing the living conditions of these individuals, especially as temperatures drop, really upset Teagan. 

“It’s really interesting to see it from a child’s perspective when they're just beginning to wrap their head around poverty. We had spoken about it the week before but after seeing them again I think she started to realize that they are still there and it’s getting cold,” said Andrea Kevan, Teagan’s mom. 

Moved to action, Teagan and her friends Ella, Bayla, Naevia, and Adelyn decided to do something to help. The girls, ranging from ages seven to nine, with the help of their parents, reached out to a local organization that volunteers and helps those in the ‘Tent city’. The organization said that the best thing is hand and feet warmers such as socks and mittens. 

The girls got together to sell hot chocolate kits and other items to raise money to buy the necessary items. As the fundraiser gained popularity, they also added the option to donate online to OXFAM, a global organization that works to eliminate poverty. 

Currently the girls have raised a total of nearly $1,300, $500 of which will go toward purchasing socks and mitts, as well as chocolate bars for a little treat for those living in the homeless community in Gatineau. The girls will give the packages to the local organization who will distribute them to those in need. The rest of the money has been donated to OXFAM. 

“It's nice to see the change in the girls with these fundraisers,”said Kevan. “I can already see their motivation for more projects. As a parent, it’s not about how much they raise, it's just nice to see their passion for helping people.” 

The fundraiser demonstrates that, no matter what, anyone can make a difference in their community. More information is available on their website: https://spirited.my.canva.site 

Photo caption: The young girls working to make a difference in their community by fundraising for those experiencing homelessness in Gatineau. From left to right, seven-year-olds Ella Stone, Teagan Beketa and Bayla Ray, eight-year-old Navia Tabicas, and nine-year-old Adelyn Ray. 

Photo credit: Courtesy of Andrea Kevan