CARSTAIRS - A couple of residents are putting together a group to raise money for local charities. The group, 100 Strong Carstairs, is modelled after similar groups in larger centres.
The idea is that 100 people get together four times a year to give $100 each with all the money raised going to one charity.
"It's happening in all these areas in Central Alberta," said Rayel Walker, owner and broker for Quest Realty in Carstairs. "It started in the bigger cities. What it is is that 100 people get together four times a year and donate $100. Anyone who is a paid member can nominate and vote on charities, people, anything that's a good cause in the Carstairs area."
Walker said that three nominations will be drawn and those groups will present at the next meeting. Any paid member can nominate anyone or any group.
"We have a random draw," she said. "Those three names are contacted and they come to the next meeting and do a presentation. The membership then votes which one gets $10,000 on the spot that day."
Walker said she has attended a similar event in Airdrie to check it out and said it was very popular.
"They actually had to create a second one because they didn't have enough room for everyone," she said. "There isn't one in the Mountain View County area so we created it. The intent is to give back to the community. From a local business perspective I get hit up over 30 times a year for donations. You're never able to give a good amount to anyone."
Walker said 100 Strong Carstairs is a way to give back in a big way.
The group's first meeting is Sept. 10 at the Carstairs Golf Club at 7 p.m. She said she is expecting anywhere from 20-30 people to attend and is hoping it will grow from there.
"We're OK with that," she said. "It's going to be the people that come that will start sharing it. Whoever is in the first group, we'll give that money out. It won't be $10,000 unless we get 100 people out."
Walker said people can also come out as guests and check it out if they wish.
"My first time going in Airdrie I was a guest," she said. "Our guest list is already quite high. Some people want to come and see it before they commit. We've had quite a bit of interest so far."
The second meeting will be Dec. 10 at Barley's Pub in Carstairs.
Walker said any worthy cause is eligible as long as it is in the Carstairs area or serves the area, whether it be Carstairs Community Chest, Mountain View Food Bank, a youth sports group, or a family with a child with cancer.
"They don't have to be a registered charity," she said. "It's just any good cause. Three causes get nominated every meeting. They're given two weeks' notice to prepare a presentation that's five minutes or less. Once they're finished there is a ballot for voting. Every paid member gets a vote."
Check out the group's website at 100strongcarstairs.com for more information.
