03.09.06
These kids are Rock Solid. About 25 young people who belong to the Frankford United Church Rock Solid youth group have made it a habit of donating to help the less fortunate in their community. On March 3 they contributed $500 to the local Community Partners for Success.“The money is very much appreciated,” said executive director Terry Cassidy. He said the organization has four centres, but the first one was started in Frankford in 1999. “It is the smallest, but it’s special,” he added. The other centres are in Trenton, Stirling and Belleville. They provide a place for young parents, often single moms to meet with others while their children use the play room. They cook collectively and share clothing or furniture.
“We help people who need help,” Cassidy said. “Stay-at-home moms have a lot of courage. They need our support.”
The Rock Solid youth group has helped others as well. Last year they raised $12,000 for tsunami victims and the Sick Children’s Hospital. They slept outside all night in cardboard boxes to raise $6,000 funds for Habitat for Humanity. This year, group leader Hope Stone says they will do it again.
“Other church groups will be doing the same thing the same night,” she added.
The youth hold dances, put on talent shows, do car washes and sell lemonade to raise funds.
“We want to make them aware of their community,” Hope said. “A lot of people are hurting and they don’t always have a choice about it. These people really need our help.”
