Turning four meant something a little different this year for Cloverdale鈥檚 Sierra Sequeira.
That鈥檚 because instead of asking for gifts, the preschooler asked for donations for the Surrey Food Bank.
鈥淎round our dinner table, we talk about what we鈥檙e grateful for,鈥� said mom Chelle Sea Sequeira. 鈥淎nd a common theme is always that we are thankful we have food and water and a roof over our heads.鈥�
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As Sierra鈥檚 birthday approached, the idea arose to ask for donations for the Surrey Food Bank rather than presents.
鈥淲e wanted to give back and to teach her the gift of giving,鈥� explained Chelle Sea.
That鈥檚 when Chelle Sea put the word out on Instagram and the donations started coming in. The Sequeiras were gobsmacked by the support as they raised $920 and 250 lbs of food.
They dropped it all off at the food bank July 7, Sierra鈥檚 birthday. Sierra arrived in a fairy costume.
When the Sequeiras began to ask for donations, Sierra asked that people give pasta and noodles, her favourite foods.
Sierra said she was excited to raise the food and said she wants to do it again next year for her fifth birthday.
Hansel Sequeira, Sierra鈥檚 dad, said he was grateful to all who donated.
鈥淪ierra enjoyed it,鈥� said Hansel. 鈥淚 was just happy that she was excited about doing it and that she has a new awareness about helping others.鈥�
Nenita De Torres, Sierra鈥檚 grandmother, said she was proud of her granddaughter.
鈥淪he鈥檚 just a very caring child,鈥� said De Torres.
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De Torres also surprised Sierra at the food bank with balloons and birthday cake.
鈥淪ierra has passion at her young age. She wants to spread love, kindness, and positivity to the community.鈥�
Michelle Murray, communications manager for the Surrey Food Bank, said she hopes Sierra鈥檚 kindness rubs off on others.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just amazing,鈥� said Murray. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 wonderful when kids donate.鈥�
Murray said when a child donates to the food bank, it makes a difference in their life and creates a more caring person because the child gains an awareness of the needs of people that are less fortunate.
鈥淵ou don鈥檛 realize the impact that that act has.鈥�
editor@cloverdalereporter.com
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