The Tidbits of Change Foundation will present its annual award and youth bursary to Cassie McNutt of Kamloops on February 20, recognizing her leadership in creating and expanding a significant community charity initiative. McNutt developed Cassie's Charity Drive, an annual fundraiser that has raised over $260,000 for the Kamloops Hospice Society over four years.
The foundation annually recognizes three Canadian youth who partner with a parent or mentor on projects demonstrating initiative, leadership, and community impact. Successful applicants receive bursaries ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to support their education. "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 and has evolved into a sustained fundraising effort. "Our bursary selection committee was impressed by Cassie's initiative and commitment," said Greg Scott, co-founder of the Tidbits of Change Foundation. "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."
Beyond the foundation's recognition, McNutt's work has earned national attention, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, making her one of the youngest recipients in Canada. This dual recognition highlights how youth-led community projects can achieve both local impact and national visibility.
The Tidbits of Change Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 youth bursaries through April 30th. More information about the foundation and its programs is available at https://tidbitsofchange.org. The foundation encourages Canadian youth to collaborate with parents or mentors on community-focused initiatives, believing such mentorship-driven collaboration benefits young people and strengthens communities.
For business and technology leaders, McNutt's recognition demonstrates how structured support for youth initiatives can yield measurable community benefits. The model of pairing youth with parental or mentor guidance creates sustainable projects that address local needs while developing future leadership skills. The foundation's approach provides a framework that could be adapted by corporations seeking to develop community engagement programs or leadership development initiatives.
The substantial funds raised by McNutt's initiative show how youth-led projects can achieve financial impact comparable to many corporate social responsibility programs. This suggests opportunities for businesses to partner with or support similar youth initiatives as part of their community investment strategies. The foundation's application process and criteria offer a model for organizations seeking to identify and support promising community projects.
