By Lesley Simpson
The Hamilton Spectator
(Nov 20, 2006)
It's likely not on your calendar, but today is
National Child Day. In its honour, we introduce four
people who aren't waiting for grown-ups to change the
world -- they're doing it themselves.
Meet Maddison Babineau, 15, who is coping with her
cancer by selling jewellery from eBay to build a well in
Kenya.
Her first wish is already becoming reality -- a
school for Kenyan kids is being built on her behalf.
Sabrina Pursley, 11, is planning her fifth walkathon
to raise money for McMaster Children's Hospital, as a
way to thank the staff who took care of her when she
wound up there with a kidney infection at age five.
William Pearson, 17, was the guy who came up with the
idea of refurbishing broken computers in his Waterdown
community, computers now being shipped to a training
centre for street boys in Zambia.
Kellie Guzzo, 23, founded Out of the Heat, a summer
program to feed hungry folks in Hamilton.
National Child Day marks the United Nations' adoption
of the United Nation's Declaration on the Rights of The
Child (1959), and the United Nations' Convention on the
Rights of the Child (1989). Check out the Canadian
Children's Rights Council,
www.canadiancrc.com.