The Tidbits of Change Foundation will present its annual award and youth bursary to Kamloops resident Cassie McNutt on February 20, recognizing her work in developing and expanding a community charity initiative that supports local hospice services. McNutt, who launched the project in collaboration with her parents, has raised more than $260,000 over four years through what is now called Cassie’s Charity Drive. Each year, the foundation selects three Canadian youth who partner with a parent or mentor on projects demonstrating initiative, leadership, and community impact, awarding bursaries from $1,000 to $5,000 for educational support.
"Every year we hear from young Canadians doing remarkable things alongside a parent or mentor," said Hali ScottSmith, co-founder of the foundation. "The projects are inspiring, and they often have a meaningful impact on their communities." McNutt’s initiative began as a clothing drive connected to a Christmas light display she created with her father, evolving into an annual fundraiser for the Kamloops Hospice Society. Greg Scott, co-founder of the Tidbits of Change Foundation, noted, "She identified a need in her community and, with the support of her parents, turned that idea into a sustained effort that has grown year after year." The foundation’s bursary selection committee highlighted her commitment and the project’s expansion as key factors in her selection.
The significance of McNutt’s work extends beyond local recognition, as she has also received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, making her one of the youngest recipients in Canada. This national acknowledgment underscores the broader implications of youth-led community projects, which can foster leadership skills and address critical needs while strengthening community bonds. The Tidbits of Change Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2026 youth bursaries until April 30th, with more information available at https://tidbitsofchange.org. This ongoing program emphasizes the foundation’s mission to encourage mentorship-driven collaboration among Canadian youth, supporting initiatives that benefit both individuals and their communities. By honoring efforts like McNutt’s, the foundation aims to inspire other young people to engage in similar projects, demonstrating how small ideas can lead to substantial, lasting change.
