Page 22 - Biz X Magazine - July/August, 2014 Issue

MINI FEATURE By Rebecca Wright Local Youth Lead By Example To Make A Difference In The Community ou can never be too young to get involved KIDS GET CREATIVE TO HELP AREA CHARITIES Yin the community, and area youth are Andrew Williams For “Miss Teen Windsor,” Chelsea Girard, realizing they can make their mark on the pitched his business bearing the crown means committing to world at whatever age. idea in front of a panel several community causes. Tat’s why she was It’s a challenge that takes commitment, of six judges and happy to stumble upon a new group called dedication and determination, and many audience of about 100 “100 Kids Who Care, Windsor” (Details at young people within Windsor Essex are people in Toronto for 100WomenWindsor.com/100kids.php). stepping up to the plate with hard-working his company called “I am really trying to bring awareness to willingness and an enthusiastic spirit. Poseidon’s Pool Care. various charities, but this group is not only Photo by Lina Williams. As well, local businesses and organizations bringing awareness, they are teaching youth are recognizing the value of this youthful about what is important and how to help those eagerness, promoting programs and creating summer, servicing customers living in the in need,” says Girard, who is 16 years old. platforms to facilitate and foster these young LaSalle area. “I think everyone should be taught this at an minds of tomorrow. “I think you are never too young to start in early age.” the world of business,” says Williams. “And the “100 Kids Who Care” was created by Alison YOUNG WINDSOR ENTREPRENEUR WINS younger you start, the better, because you gain Kitts, who is a member of a local philanthropic BUSINESS COMPETITION IN BIG CITY more experience or lessons along the way.” group called “100 Women Who Care” – an What started as a high school homework Williams comes from a family of organization that raises $10,000 for local assignment sparked an award-winning entrepreneurs so he says running a small charities in just one hour, four times a year. business plan for a local 17 year old. business is in his blood. 100 Kids Who Care is a gathering of youth Grade 11 Sandwich Secondary student “I see how my dad works very hard,” says under the age of 18 held four times a year. Te Andrew Williams explains that for an Williams. “Running a business is a 24 hour a children contribute $10 each, and with a goal entrepreneurship class he and other students day job. But, I also see how my dad reaps the of at least 100 kids attending each time, $1,000 were tasked with creating a business and benefts of running a small business – he can gets donated to a local charity. making a video about it to enter into the slip out of the ofce to watch my football game “Te feeling I have when I leave 100 Women annual Ontario Ministry of Economic or take me to my hockey practice.” Who Care is such a fulflling emotion, just Development, Trade and Employment’s Williams says he’s looking forward to knowing the collective diference one hour “Young Entrepreneur Make Your Pitch further growing and pursuing his business made,” says Kitts. “I wanted kids to know this Competition” (MakeYourPitch.ca). ambitions. feeling, too.” Williams’ pitch for the competition was for “I see myself being my own boss and Kitts says she was inspired by her children to a company he created called Poseidon’s Pool controlling my destiny with hard work create the group. She explained that last year, Care, aimed at helping busy families maintain and drive,” says Williams. when her son was 10, he and a friend spoke their pools with services such as skimming Williams’ mother, Lina, says he didn’t always in front of their school and other groups to and vacuuming, water testing and treatment express interest in being an entrepreneur, but raise money to build a school in Sierra Leone, and basic pump and fltration care. last year during a school presentation about Africa. She says she was moved by the impact it Tere were 123 students who entered career paths, Andrew put some though into had, not only on her son, but her seven year old the competition from across Ontario and what he wanted to do and he decided that being daughter, who wanted to help, too. Williams was one of only 19 fnalists who a small business owner was a viable career path. “Kids are incredibly giving of their time and won. He was the only winner from Windsor “Andrew realizes that you have to work money,” says Kitts. “Tey want to help. 100 Essex. hard to reach your dreams,” says Lina, proud Kids Who Care allows them to research a local “Winning the competition was an exciting her young son’s hard work paid of. “It doesn’t charity and learn about others at our meeting. experience,” says Williams, adding the frst- come easy.” And they are learning that small amounts of class completion, held in May at the Ontario Lina says she is grateful to have a community donation can make a big impact.” Centre For Excellence Discovery Conference that supports young entrepreneurs and helps in Toronto, was an amazing opportunity them fourish and grow their dreams and Alison Kitts and her to network with other budding young aspirations. daughter Lily, 8, attend entrepreneurs. “Tis award makes me feel “Tere are many local resources available for the inaugural “100 Kids successful. I worked very hard on the pitch.” youth,” says Lina. “A simple Google search will Who Care” event held As a reward, Williams was admitted to provide you with a list of them.” June 2 at High Jinks & Playcare Indoor an extensive entrepreneurial boot camp, Williams can be reached by emailing: Imaginarium. There were and he was also invited to a meet and greet [email protected]. He also 34 children accompanied with Canada’s Governor General David has a “Facebook” page called Poseidon’s by their parents who Johnston. He was also given reserved entry Pool Care. For this year, since his only attended. Photo courtesy into the Summer Company Program through transportation is a bicycle, Williams says he’ll of Tracie Gignac. the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre just be targeting LaSalle residents. Each meeting, attending children can (WindsorEssexSmallBusiness.com), which He is excited to get started with his new nominate a charity of their choice, then three includes a grant up to $3,000 to start his venture, and says his message for other youth are randomly selected. Tose three charities business, mentorship and business plan is simple: “If you have the dream of being are introduced by the children who nominated development and consultation. your own boss, take the risk. Grab hold of them and they are given the chance to speak Williams is proud and excited that the opportunities that arise because they only on why everyone should vote for their choice Poseidon’s Pool Care will be running this come around once in a million.” of charity. A vote is taken to determine 22 BIZ X MAGAZINE • JULY/AUG 2014 BizX2014JulyAug52.indd 22 2014-07-01 7:53 PM