How this 10-year-old from Thorndale, Ont., started her own fundraiser to help those in need

As a way to give back to her community and help people experiencing homelessness, 10-year-old Sara McClean of Thorndale, Ont., has started her own fundraiser called 'Sara's high-five'.

The campaign's name is a play on words where McClean asks members of each household to donate $5, making it a high five. She's been able to raise over $1100 so far. 

McClean said the idea came to her through the annual volunteering that she and her family do on Christmas Day every year, where she saw how much need there was for winter items.

"Just seeing how much people needed food, and were cold, and how much they asked for mittens, hats, and coats, made me want to make a change with what's happening," she said. 

The funds raised will go towards the Ark Aid Mission, to provide support to those who are in need in the coming months. 

The project has drastically changed her perceptions on homelessness, and she hopes to bridge the gap between the general public, and those living on the streets, McClean said. 

"I can tell you, I used to be scared of homeless people. I thought they would hurt me but that's not true, they're very nice people that just ended up on the streets for many reasons," she said. 

Through the campaign, McClean met a man on the streets named Allan, who she says taught her a lot about the importance of kindness. 

A few days later, she found out that his dog Zoey got taken away. After hearing this, McClean knew she had to do everything in her power to help reunite the two, she said.  

"That exact morning, I didn't eat breakfast, I didn't do anything else, I got into my dad's car and he drove me and we got Allan's dog back," she said. 

"He's so happy to be reunited with her, and I'm so happy that we made that happen. Seeing that smile on his face is all I care about."

McClean hopes that the money can go into buying items that can keep people warm during the frigid temperatures, along with items for the spring and summer seasons as well. 

She plans to keep the fundraiser going even after the campaign ends and would like to rent a shelter space where people can have lockers to store their belongings, showers, and places to sleep. 

"What I've heard from these people is that they want lockers because their things get stolen, so a building where they can actually feel comfortable and relax without worrying that their things will get lost," she added.