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Everyone needs some simple kindness to get through life and have the things you need. Over the years SKY, has worked as a grassroots type of organization that supports kids in the copper country with grant funds. Through the watchful eye of teachers, SKY helps kids in the local area find items as simple as a new pair of shoes, to even registration for youth hockey. Simple Kindness for Youth President Lynettee Borree says that the group helps youth in the copper country from birth through a year after high school graduation.
“We are relying on the eyes andears of our community, and looking at teachers and professionals. And them noticing specifically what a student needs. Another thing that makes us unique is we’re really focused on planting seeds with the next generation. Making sure kids have opportunities, and they are not stuck with that financial obstacle of not being able to participate in a sport or in band. Or being able to be mobile.” – Lynette Borree, President
SKY services grants up to 250 dollars per students each year they are enrolled in school. During 2022 SKY was able to supply over 400 grants totaling over 71,000 dollars. Borree says that the group has seen more applications for serving area students over the years. Last year they saw a 70 percent increase in grant applications. She says that giving Tuesday has been a huge help in bringing their organization to the public. As the group, and others, do not always put an emphasis on marketing during the year.
“The whole crew over at copper shores has been just great to work with. As things have evolved over time, the gotten more matching funds. They’ve sought input from the community and the non-profits they are working with on how to make things run smoother. And their hearts are really into it. You can really tell, we’ve worked with them for many years. And they’ve been great to work with. And they are really about getting the word out there about these communities and making sure they’re funded.” – Lynette Borree, President, Simple Kindness for Youth
Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation last year raised over 650,000 dollars from individuals in the community and from friends of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Annually the foundation has provided a match sum to add to the day of giving’s total. Adding up to over 2.7 million dollars spread throughout the copper country over the past six years. Find more information about Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation here, and more about Simple Kindness for Youth here.
