Bradley Centre houses a range of community programs, including art classes, workshops and social supports under the Oceanside Family Program. (100 Kids for Change)

By Ian Holmes

Making a difference

‘Our idea is simply to be the change:’ youth-led Oceanside philanthropy group makes impact

Mar 2, 2025 | 9:07 AM

PARKSVILLE — What started out as a small gathering of young change-makers is gaining momentum.

100 Kids for Change, a youth-run philanthropy organization launched early last year donates money to local Oceanside area registered charities four times annually.

The inaugural donation was $244 to Errington-based North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, while the most recent donation made on Feb. 23 to the Bradley Centre saw a $790 cheque presented.

Janel van Dongen, founder and chair of 100 Kids for Change, said in addition to their devoted members, a range of community organizations have stepped up to assist in a variety of ways.

“That has been absolutely incredible. We’ve had so many organizations who have come up to us and said “We’d like to support 100 kids in some way.”

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Every three months, 100 Kids of Change members bring at least $10 to a meeting where members vote on a local charity to be the recipient of their next donation.

Presentations are made by members who advocate for a particular charity prior to voting.

van Dongen, 17, said their organization strives to help members under the age of 19 work on their public speaking skills, gain insight about community service, make new friends, and learn about the principles of democracy.

“It’s so special to watch because you can see them light up, their faces light up when they are talking about a charity that means something to them, that’s been really cool,’ van Dongen said.

Inspired by similar organizations 100 Women who Care Oceanside and 100 Fine Gentlemen of Oceanside Who Give a Damn, to date 100 Kids for Change has infused $2,504.50 into the Oceanside Community.

Currently, 100 Kids for Change is receiving matching donations from the Parksville Rotary Club, van Dongen noted.

With 47 members on board after debuting with just 18, van Dongen believes their simple mission statement is resonating and that their organization has a sustainable future.

“Our idea is simply to be the change. That is really the driving force behind anything that we do is how can we be the change?”

Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation created a website for 100 Kids for Change linked here, where more information about the movement is available.

Members of 100 Kids for Change present an overview of its organization to the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach. (100 Kids for Change)

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