EXETER – Prompted by news coverage of the recent earthquake in Haiti, five-year-old Exeter girl Cassidy Nielands began asking questions and wondering how to help.
“(She) wanted to send toys and clothes, but that’s not what they need,” said mother Amanda Glavin in a recent interview.
“We explained as best we could what they did need, and they (Cassidy and three-year-old brother Drew) had a few ideas.”
Cassidy suggested a “princess party,” Glavin said, while Drew wanted to stage a hockey game to raise funds.
They settled somewhere in the middle, organizing a children’s carnival that will take place Sunday (Jan. 31) at the South Huron Recreation Centre.
The carnival will offer a number of activities appealing to both boys and girls, including face painting and temporary tattoos, balloon animals, a musical costume parade, parachute games and the opportunity to bounce on an inflatable castle.
A preschool castle crawl maze with mini ball pond will be on hand, along with a giant Snakes and Ladders game, nail painting and makeup for girls, and professional photography by Sandra Regier.
Children are encouraged to wear princess dresses, pirate wear, super hero costumes, and the like. A princess and pirate will also be at the carnival for children to meet.
The event will run from 12-4 p.m. and admission is set at $10 per child, though further donations will be accepted.
“We want everyone to be able to come,” Glavin said. “If they can donate more, that’s great. If they can’t, that’s fine too.”
Proceeds from the event will be given to Trivitt Memorial Church, then distributed to aid Haiti in the fallout from the quake.
Glavin said the proceeds will be matched by an organization, meaning twice the amount raised will be donated.
A Facebook page has been created for the event, and more information can be gathered through it.
Glavin can also be contacted at amandaglavin@hotmail.com or by phone at 235-1054.