A fundraiser to make gift bags for the homeless started by one Langford youth will now be involving The Mustard Seed Street Church downtown.
Chase Doucette, a 10-year-old student at Crystal View Elementary School in Langford came up with the idea of giving out Christmas gift bags to homeless people in Victoria around mid-November.
Since then, he has managed to raise $500 to put towards building the gift bags as well as 10 Tim Hortons gift cards and several clothing donations.
The donations will go towards making bags filled with the gift cards and warm winter items like scarves, toques and blankets.
READ MORE: Community showing support for West Shore youth who is giving back
The Mustard Seed Street Church will be serving meals to the homeless on Saturday, Dec. 22 and that is where Doucette will be handing out his bags.
“This will ensure Chase is in a safe environment but still gets to be a part of giving back,” said Sheryl Doucette, Chase’s mother.
His mother said his best friend and his friend’s family, as well as the principal of his school, will help him hand out the bags as well.
“Crystal View was a great support for Chase and even set up a donation box at the school,” said Sheryl.
Chase said he had the idea to help out after talking about homelessness in school.
“On Christmas Eve it’s going to be very cold so I want them to stay warm,” Doucette said.
A few years ago, he collected and brought toys for kids to the Mustard Seed Street Church during the holidays.
Sheryl said Chase and his family are very excited to be able to give back.
“He is very thankful and extremely proud,” Sheryl said.
shalu.mehta@goldstreamgazette.com