Two young sisters in Calgary are fundraising to make sure the Ranchlands Food Pantry has all the food it needs this holiday season. Shreeya and Sakshi Shenoy recently launched Giving Forward Canada together. And the charitable, philanthropic venture’s first fundraising campaign is the Ranchlands Community Association’s volunteer-run food hampers program. They’re aiming for $5,000 by Sunday and $10,000 by Dec. 1. As of Wednesday afternoon, they’d raised more than $2,800. The giving started with Shreeya and Sakshi, with each pulling together $250 of their own cash. Shreeya’s a Grade 11 student at FFCA North High School. Sakshi’s a Grade 7 student at FFCA North Middle School. Both are in cadets, and both noted the many community service initiatives done through that program. “I believe many people my age aren’t aware of the problems others face,” Shreeya said. “A lot of us are tackling school extracurriculars and actively making decisions about our futures. “Some teenagers only want to take, not give back. “It is important for Giving Forward Canada to be youth-led because we want to show society that despite everything we have, we as youth are willing to be compassionate, empathetic and help others.” “I want people my age to know one thing: You don’t have to be older to make a difference in this world,” Sakshi said. “What matters is that you don’t give up and keep on giving forward to help people and give back to the communities that help us.” The Ranchlands Food Pantry aims to help residents of the community who need it. The community association’s website states the food hampers program runs “by financial donations and non-perishable food contributions from community members and local businesses.” The community association posted to social media this past Sunday, saying it’s happy for the help. “We are so honoured to be part of (Giving Forward Canada’s) very first campaign and cannot thank them enough for choosing to support the Ranchlands Food Pantry,” the community association said. “It’s amazing to see young people taking the initiative to create positive change and inspire others to do the same.” Giving Forward Canada runs in collaboration with the Calgary Amchigele Association. It can be found and followed on Facebook and on Instagram. The fundraiser can also be found online, here. “I hope to work with my sister and continue to support our community and city in any way possible,” Shreeya said. “We hope to campaign for several other causes and support charities that resonate with us. “For the Ranchlands Food Pantry, we ultimately hope to raise enough food and money to make everyone’s holiday season worth celebrating.” “We want this fund to help local charitable associations and partner with them to help make our communities kinder and stronger together,” Sakshi said.
