Woodbridge students help Safehaven children with bracelets

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 18, 2015
By Simone Joseph

For Lauren Colella, making bracelets is her way of helping the world.

It started as a fun pastime during recess with some friends at St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School in Woodbridge.

But then, the 11-year-old had the idea to raise money for Safehaven, which provides respite and residential care to children with complex medical, physical and developmental disabilities.

“I was taken aback by her drive,” Lauren’s mother, Laura, said.

”She was so motivated and passionate about doing this. She has been a driving force for the whole fundraiser.”

A group of friends decided to join her in making bracelets to raise money.

This group gathered at Safehaven Saturday to make bracelets, get a tour, meet children at Safehaven and enjoy a pizza party.

The girls wore T-shirts printed with the name of their group: Kids Helping Kids Band of Hearts.

They are selling string friendship bracelets for $2 each, with a goal to raise $1,000.

The girls will present the money to Safehaven at its annual gala.

“The response has been overwhelming,” Laura said. "People have been very generous buying bracelets and giving donations to Safehaven."

Some of the girls’ relatives have also become excited about the mission.

“When I told my mom, she started making the bracelets; she wouldn’t stop,” said Mia Calabria, one of the girls participating.

The girls’ project is something positive for an age that is not offered much in the way of programming, Laura said.

“This is something empowering and teaches self-confidence and empathy,” she said.

The Safehaven gala is Nov. 7. Go to www.safehaven.to/gala/ for more information.

To buy a bracelet, make a donation or find out more information about this effort, call David Colella at 416-271-1943.

Donations to Safehaven over $20 will get a tax receipt.