Small acts of kindness can create lasting change, and two Âé¶čAV businesses are proving it by teaching children the value of giving back.
ProductKIDvity and Cabin 5 Granola have partnered to help the unhoused community, putting together a Holiday Backpack Fundraiser to teach the values of community and caring.
âWe love to see the kids do this good work and learn about the community so that they can give back,â explained Alex Carnio, Founder and CEO of ProductKIDvity. âHaving them learn about this at such and early age, weâre really shaping the next generation of kindness and that starts with the little ones.â
ProductKIDvity Founder and CEO Alex Carnio. Photo | Gary Barnes/Black Press Media
Each backpack includes approximately $50 worth of essential items like foodstuffs, water, gloves, toques, scarves, hygiene products, and other necessities. To add a personal touch, each child drew a picture to include in the package.
âSaying have a good Christmas, so weâre hoping that brings a smile to peopleâs faces during what could be a hard time during the holidays,â Carnio added. âWhen we go on walks they give big waves and big smiles when they see the kids. We wanted to do something that was more tangible for them during the holidays.â
ProductKIDvity, located in the Bernard Block at 1499 St. Paul Street, has been a part of the Âé¶čAV community for three years. The initiative is funded through Cabin 5 Granola sales and corporate contributions.
âWeâre huge about helping the community and making sure our community partners are nourished, fed, and have full bellies,â said Cabin 5 Granola owner Stephanie Horman. She emphasized the importance of instilling kindness in children early. âI think itâs important to open up these conversations when theyâre young so that it becomes a natural part of life.â
Cabin 5 Granola owner Stephanie Horman. Photo | Gary Barnes/Black Press Media
Carnio also noted that they are partnering with Metro and the Balsam School to deliver the backpacks directly to the unhoused community on Dec. 19.
