Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
February 12, 2026

Kamloops Teen Raises $260K for Hospice, Wins Youth Award

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TLDR

  • Cassie McNutt's award-winning charity initiative demonstrates how youth can gain recognition and financial support by creating impactful community projects with parental mentorship.
  • The Tidbits of Change Foundation annually awards three Canadian youth $1,000-$5,000 bursaries for community projects developed with parents or mentors, with applications due April 30.
  • Cassie McNutt's charity drive has raised over $260,000 for hospice services, showing how youth-led initiatives can strengthen communities through sustained, compassionate action.
  • A Kamloops teen turned a Christmas light display into a charity drive that earned her a national medal and over $260,000 for hospice care.

Impact - Why it Matters

This news matters because it demonstrates how youth-led initiatives, supported by family mentorship, can create substantial community impact. Cassie McNutt's story shows that young people possess both the creativity and dedication to address local needs, transforming simple ideas into sustained charitable efforts. Her recognition by the Tidbits of Change Foundation highlights the importance of investing in youth leadership development, particularly through intergenerational collaboration. Such programs not only provide financial support for education but also validate young people's capacity to contribute meaningfully to society. In an era where youth engagement is often questioned, McNutt's achievement—and the foundation's support system—offers a powerful counter-narrative that can inspire other young Canadians to pursue community-focused projects. The ripple effects extend beyond immediate fundraising, potentially influencing how communities approach youth involvement in charitable work and how families can collaborate on social initiatives.

Summary

In an inspiring recognition of youth-led community service, Kamloops teenager Cassie McNutt will be honored with the Tidbits of Change Award and a youth bursary on February 20th at the Delta Hotel Kamloops. The ceremony, organized by the Tidbits of Change Foundation, celebrates McNutt's remarkable initiative in creating and expanding Cassie's Charity Drive—an annual fundraiser that has generated over $260,000 for the Kamloops Hospice Society over four years. What began as a simple clothing drive connected to a Christmas light display she created with her father has evolved into a significant community institution, demonstrating how mentorship-driven projects can create lasting impact.

The Tidbits of Change Foundation, a volunteer-driven not-for-profit organization, specifically recognizes Canadian youth who partner with parents or mentors on projects showing initiative, leadership, and community benefit. Foundation co-founders Hali ScottSmith and Greg Scott emphasized that McNutt's work exemplifies their mission, with Scott noting that "she identified a need in her community and, with the support of her parents, turned that idea into a sustained effort that has grown year after year." The foundation awards bursaries ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to support recipients' education, with McNutt's recognition coming alongside her previous national honor—the King Charles III Coronation Medal, making her one of the youngest recipients in Canada.

This event highlights the foundation's ongoing commitment to fostering youth leadership through mentorship, with applications for 2026 youth bursaries currently open until April 30th. Those interested can find more information at tidbitsofchange.org, where they can also visit our blog for additional insights into youth-led community initiatives. The foundation encourages potential applicants and supporters to email us here for further details about their programs and impact, demonstrating their accessibility and commitment to engaging with communities across Canada.

Source Statement

This curated news summary relied on content disributed by PR Karma. Read the original source here, Kamloops Teen Raises $260K for Hospice, Wins Youth Award

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