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Local makes 150 $150 count three ways
By Brian Findlay
I work on a campaign called Make 150 Count – an RBC program that celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday by giving young people $150, no strings attached, and the chance to do good in their communities in their own unique way – (kind of like a national, pay-it-forward social experiment).
While reviewing projects youth have submitted, I came across Melissa Marchi’s idea, and thought it was a great example of how young people are embracing the $150 opportunity in personal and unique ways. And how they really care about their communities!
The program identifies youth (like Melissa) through local RBC branches and the ties these branches have community stakeholders, community centres and charities. Others are chosen after submitting their ideas through social media, using the hashtag #Make150Count. Overall thousands of youth across the country are being selected for this opportunity.
Melissa definitely comes from a community-minded family (you wrote about her sister Taylor recently as well, and her making it as a national finalist in the ‘Start Something with Alesse’ contest).
The way Melissa used her $150 really shows how connected she is to her community.
“My name is Melissa, I am a 22-year-old female from Sparwood. I have lived here my entire life, and felt honoured to be given the opportunity to participate in RBC’s #make150count and put the money towards my community,” she said in her submission. “I had a hard time choosing who would receive the $150, so I chose to split the money three ways.”
Melissa took the three 50 dollar bills included in her kit and delivered them personally.
“My first recipient was Elk Valley Thrift Store; they have done so much for my community through the years. Lilac Terrace is a seniors housing complex here in Sparwood. They had just completed an expansion and I wanted to give back to our senior citizens, so this is where my second $50 went. Lastly, I donated the last $50 to Sparwood Search and Rescue. On December 17, 2016, they suffered from a fire. The building is unsafe and suffered from significant damage. I knew they could use the money to put towards the repair of the building,” Melissa explained.
She concluded: “I would like to thank RBC for giving me this great opportunity to celebrate Canada’s anniversary in acts of kindness.”
Above photo: Melissa making her donation to the Elk Valley Thrift Store. Photo submitted
