From Baby Clothes to Bracelets: 9-Year-Old Wilson’s Mission to Give Back

Nine-year-old Wilson’s fundraising journey for Children’s Cottage Society might have taken off this summer, but it actually started way back when he was still in diapers. 

His mom, Shantelle,  has been donating Wilson’s gently used toys and clothes to the Children’s Cottage since he was a baby. Giving back wasn’t a one-time thing for their family; it’s just part of who they are. 

So when Wilson recently set up a bracelet stand in front of their house to raise money for kids and families in crisis, Shantelle wasn’t totally surprised. “We were literally in an Uber when he said he wanted to do it,” she said with a laugh. “It’s something we’ve always done; supporting non-profits is a big part of our family’s values. I think it’s also about the friends he surrounds himself with. One of them was already doing something similar, and they inspire each other.” 

In fact, it was Wilson’s friend Emma, who inspired him to start making these bracelets; true evidence that giving back to the community is contagious, at any age.  

Wilson’s goal? To support Children’s Cottage Society, and the Crisis Nursery.

“I wanted to help kids who need support,” Wilson said. “Like if a single mom (or any mom) needs help, they can go there. It’s a good cause.” 

And he means business. Wilson handcrafted over 40 bracelets and a handful of bookmarks, whipping up some in as little as five minutes each. His bracelets come in different colours, and he even makes custom ones on the spot. 

“One time, two teenagers and their mom came by,” Wilson said. “They wanted matching ones, so I made them right there.” 

Bracelets sell for $3, bookmarks for $1, and custom pieces for $2. After just one day, Wilson had raised $75 from family, neighbours and a few kind strangers. 

“It felt good when people stopped by,” he said.  

His big goal? Raising $500 before school starts again in the fall. And if it goes well, he’s already thinking ahead to next summer. 

When asked what he hopes people feel when they wear his bracelets, Wilson said, “That they understand more. That families sometimes need support.” 

If he could say one thing to those families? 

“You’re not alone. We’re here to help.” 

This might be Wilson’s first official fundraiser, but it certainly won’t be his last. Whether he ends up a professional soccer player (he’s already trained in Madrid and Paris with elite academies) or a dentist, he says he’ll keep giving back; and hopes to pass those values on to his future kids too. 

A Parent’s Perspective 

For Shantelle, watching Wilson take initiative like this has been powerful. 

“We’ve donated to Children’s Cottage since he was an infant,” she said. “He even came with me when we dropped off toys at the previous location. So he’s grown up knowing how important it is to give back.” 

As a psychiatric nurse (especially from her previous experience working in the ER) she has an awareness of community resources available to struggling families. The Children’s Cottage was always one of her go-tos. 

“There’s such a stigma around asking for help, but from what I heard about Children’s Cottage, there’s no judgement.” she said. “They just provide a safe space for children who need it, and support for families. Knowing what they offer can change a family’s entire life.” 

Shantelle told us how proud she was of Wilson for wanting to give back to The Children’s Cottage; seeing his passion and excitement with every dollar raised, every bracelet made has been really rewarding.  

Want to support Wilson’s fundraiser or send encouragement?
You can reach Wilson at wilsongivesback@gmail.com.