Mana Mehta, Kids4Kids Alumna

Kids4Kids is so fluid in its nature that you can virtually take on several roles that interest you, allowing you the breadth of experience and opportunities to take part in what you enjoy!

Kids4Kids has always been an integral part of my life and always will be. I first learned of K4K through my school club and quickly got involved with the Buddy Reading Program. I was so excited to participate in opportunities that I knew would undoubtedly make an impact. I had never really found events or programs that involved kids to the degree that K4K did. I was resigned to the fact that I had to be older to participate in change and take action, but this quickly changed.

I wanted to further my involvement with Kids4Kids and joined the Advocates Leadership Team (ALT) in 2017. I was the Head of Communications and Marketing from 2017-2019 and truly learned what it took to be a leader, a coordinator and a volunteer all at the same time. It was enriching experience for showing me that there is so much to be learned from those around you to create impactful change. I made friends from that team whom I am still in touch with today and really enjoyed dedicating my Friday afternoons to snack-filled meetings at the Kids4Kids office. K4K worked hard to delegate responsibility to teenagers like us while ensuring we had fun doing it, and that is something I will always appreciate.

In addition to being involved in ALT, I was involved in some of the other divisions that allowed me to play the roles of a mentee, public speaker and event organiser. I was an emcee for My Story Creations which pushed me to learn to be comfortable with speaking to large audiences and deal with unexpected events. I participated in Action for A Cause which allowed me to meet experienced mentors and start my own book club for children needing extra learning support in English. The Powered by Youth Forum always needed extra help, and for me always an opportunity to take part and help make everything run smoothly. Kids4Kids is so fluid in its nature that you can virtually take on several roles that interest you, allowing you the breadth of experience and opportunities to take part in what you enjoy!

Kids4Kids has had an indefinite impact on my life in its ability to teach me something new every day. I have made great friends, learned from so many valuable mentors and made a difference - no matter how great or small.