It’s not always easy being a kid.
Ten years ago, Calgarian Sarah Smart ran into some rough times and remembers what it was like.
Now, by participating in the Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone, she wants to help other kids who are going through tough stuff. Over five years, she figures she’s raised about $1,200.
“I’m doing it because I was bullied in high school,” Smart said. Nothing like this helpline existed when she was in school.
“I was in a gang for a little while and I had my life threatened,” she said.
She thinks having a helpline there for kids is a great idea, and would encourage her own son, Aiden, 2, to use it if he ever needed to.
“There’s only so much your parents can do,” she said.
Kids who use the toll-free phone reach paid professional counsellors who are there to help with any questions or hardships. Online services are also available.
Julia Ioffe and Perry Fortune, who have been with the organization for about a year, said they were anticipating a turnout of 600 people and wanted to raise $175,000 in Calgary alone.
