NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER Amber Poelzer wraps up a basket for her group called Love is Louder. The group works with local schools and the women's shelter to help kids going through tough times.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
Hatter Amber Poelzer is hoping to help kids who are having a rough go at things.
About a month ago Poelzer launched Love is Louder and hopes to reach kids of all ages across the Hat who may be in need of a pick-me-up.
“There are many different reasons why kids could be going through a difficult time – that’s why I started this,” Poelzer, who also owns a dayhome in the city. “We felt like there was a need in our city to create something like this.”
Poelzer, with the help of friends and family, puts together Kindness Grams for kids to earn during time at school.
“We have them in 15 schools through the city and in Ralston as well,” she said. “These are to promote kindness.
“Teachers will award them to students who show random acts of kindness – we feel it will encourage kids to be kind.”
The team also creates large baskets for kids at school who may be experiencing a rough home life. The large baskets also get sent to the local women’s shelter for kids who arrive in emergency situations.
“We give out the bigger ones on request, the principals reach out to us – those are for kids dealing with something like a divorce at home,” she said. “We know that there’s a large number of kids that go through the women’s shelter – we didn’t want to forget them.”
Poelzer says kids face a number of challenges in life and shouldn’t be alone.
“Separation is tough on everyone,” she said. “Other situations like the loss of a family member or bullying are when we would look to help.
“This is just about putting a smile on kids faces.”
The baskets contain arts and crafts, toys, mini skateboards and much more.
More information can be found by searching ‘Love is Louder – Medicine Hat’ on Facebook.
