A five-year-old Abbotsford girl is hoping to raise $50,000 for the Crystal Gala Foundation.
Charlotte Charles has been collecting bottles and cans, with all proceeds going to the foundation, a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to purchasing equipment and technology for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
The purchases support the breast health centre and screening mammography/ultrasound centre at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre.
The foundation holds a gala dinner and dance every year – its main fundraiser – but this year’s event has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Charlotte’s mom, Julie, works full-time at S+L Kitchen and Townhall in Abbotsford, and is also an active volunteer with the Crystal Gala Foundation.
In July, Charlotte offered to help with a fundraising lemonade and cookie stand, but Julie thought this might be difficult in light of social distancing.
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Charlotte quickly created a new plan, collecting bottles and cans to raise $50,000 for the Crystal Gala Foundation.
Three weeks into the bottle drive, Charlotte had raised $700 through word of mouth.
With her parents’ help, she collected almost 1,600 bottles and cans in one day, which were then brought to Moe’s Bottle Depot.
Those wanting to support Charlotte’s fundraising can drop off their recyclable cans and bottles at Moe’s (2625 Gladys Ave.) by using the code 604-614-4981.
People can also dial that number to arrange a pickup.
Moe’s staff will sort and count the bottles, and the money will be deposited into Charlotte’s fundraising account.
Other participating locations are:
• R&T Recyclables and Bottle Depot, 31550 South Fraser Way
• Abbotsford Bottle Depot, 33236 Walsh Ave.
• Express Return-it locations in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley
Donations can also be made directly online at crystalgala.ca with the mention of Charlotte’s fundraiser.