An 11-year-old girl has recently collected $500 worth of sandwich tokens for the homeless in Vancouver’s (B.C.) Downtown Eastside. Keanna Lai said it’s important for her to give back to the community and provide support where she can for the many experiencing homelessness. For years, Keanna has been fundraising and purchasing tokens from Save On Meats on West Hastings Street, which also houses a charity called A Better Life Foundation. The tokens are redeemable for meals at the Save On Meats diner.

When speaking to Global News, Keanna said “I started with a mini garage sale where I sold [old toys and clothes]. I also had a lemonade stand. Now, I am thinking of doing bake sales or selling my arts and crafts.”

Now a grade 6 student, Keanna said that she began fundraising during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Her mom, Grace Kuo, told Global News that it is in her daughter’s nature to help others in need, especially those most vulnerable close to home.

Keanna’s efforts have also not gone unnoticed by A Better Life Foundation, who runs multiple programs that help improve food security among those who need it most. “Keanna’s become a really close and valued member of our team,” said executive director Ash McLeod. “She rolls up her sleeves and comes and helps, but also carries on the mission on her own time and spreads the gospel of what we’re doing to all types of different audiences.”

In one day alone, Keanna provided 130 meals to people who otherwise wouldn’t have had one. At her age, this is a huge contribution, and we congratulate Keanna for her selfless support of the vulnerable and less fortunate.

Source: Global News