CORNWALL, Ontario – After the Agapè Centre announced that they are seeking help due to declining donations, Isabelle Pilon, 9, and Jacob Pilon, 11, started a $20 donation challenge on social media.
“When we saw their video on Facebook that they were in need of some money donations, we decided to start a tiny challenge to challenge our family members and friends to donate $20,” said Jacob. “But we didn’t know it would have this ripple effect, so everyone would join in. It’s pretty amazing.”
The sibling’s mother posted their video on Facebook, and several commenters replied that they would accept the challenge.
The Optimist Club of Cornwall has offered to match Isabelle and Jacob’s donations up to $1,000 in FreshCo gift cards. So when donating to the Agapè Centre, mentioning that you are a part of the Isabelle and Jacob $20 challenge will result in double the contribution.
The siblings were excited when they found out about The Optimist Club’s offer.
“This was late at night so my mom woke me up and she was like, the Optimist Club can donate $1,000, and I was like, yes!” said Jacob.
In the past, Isabelle has fundraised and cut eight inches of her hair in support of pediatric cancer.
“I hope this helps people in need,” said Isabelle.
Joh Ann Couture, Agapè Centre Director of Operations, told the Seaway News earlier this week that the centre has received 30 per cent fewer donations this year in comparison to last year. The centre reduced expenditures by 40 per cent in 2017. On average 160 people are served per day, and roughly 600 families use their food bank every month, according to board chairman Maurice Dupelle.
“It does a lot of good to our community and provides no burden to taxpayers,” said Dupelle. “I think in the summer people forget about us, but hunger doesn’t take a vacation.”
“We’re really happy that people have donated to help others,” said Isabelle.
The Agapè Centre is located at 40 Fifth St. West. The Pilon siblings hope the community will accept their $20 challenge, which has also turned into the social media hashtag: #20dollarchallenge.
