A new foundation created with the intent of helping local families and youth is hosting its first community event on Sunday.
Kristie Buckingham-Butler recently started the Marnie Slack Foundation for Youth, named after her late grandmother.
The lifelong Sarnia-Lambton resident said she wants to carry on her family's philanthropic legacy as her grandmother and grandfather, Stan Slack, were active in the community.
This past summer while baseball activities started up again, Buckingham-Butler said she noticed more kids were in need of help to attend sports activities.
"This is my passion. I've been here my entire life so it's time to help out the community," she said.
"We're hoping to also help provide essentials to improve home life. We focus on helping communities thrive through education, extracurriculars, and the arts to promote inclusivity and a sense of belonging in our community."
To spread awareness about the foundation, a community event is scheduled to take place at the Sarnia Legion on Front Street, Sunday December 11, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
"It Takes a Village'' will include live music, crafts, games, and snacks. The Pained Cat will also be at the event along with Janka The FreshWater Mermaid.
Buckingham-Butler said a "Holidays for Hope" drive will also be held, where attendees are asked to bring a donation of basic essentials such as non-perishable food items, books, and pajamas.
The event is free to attend as it was sponsored by UA663, Kel-Gor Ltd., and Dickenson Farms.
"We have one family in particular that we've fast-tracked this foundation for, we were going to start it next year. They're battling a terminal cancer diagnosis so we would like to give them a stress-free Christmas this year and it looks like we're going to be able to sponsor some other kids," she said.
Buckingham-Butler said a website for the foundation is in the works.
