One hundred Montreal-area kids rewarded for good deeds in community

A Sun Youth program is shining a light on 100 Montreal-area kids who have positively impacted their community.

Kids ranging in age from five to 17 who have done good – like giving back, dedicating their time or committing an act of courage – were rewarded with a new bicycle.

It was part of Sun Youth’s 38th annual new bike giveaway.

“We often hear about the kids that are misbehaving,” said Ann St. Arnaud of Sun Youth. “But in reality, there are many more kids that do good than do bad. So it’s important to shine a light on them.”

Kids were nominated by those who know them best.

Kids show their good-deed certificates at Sun Youth. (Credit: CityNews/Felisha Adam)

Teacher Sarah Howard nominated her student James Martineau.

“He’s responsible, because he’s honest, and because he’s very determined,” said Howard. “So he was a very obvious candidate for me to nominate.”

“When I heard I won a bike I was like, for real?” said Martineau. “Then I’m like, how? And then everyone tells me because your name was picked from a draw.”

James Martineau with his mother (left) teacher Sarah Howard (right) and two brothers. (Credit: CityNews/Felisha Adam)

Howard said it’s important for kids and students to be praised for good deeds.

“It’s nice to recognize children for the good that they do,” she said. “And so I think today is exactly that, reminding us that the youth is powerful in a positive way.”

Emily Mclean’s son was another of the 100 winners. She says her son has shown immense signs of improvement this year.

“I have a lot of emotions in my heart right now because I’ve watched him struggle during the beginning of the school year and he’s really come a long way,” said Mclean. “And he’s really there and supportive to his brothers.”

Bikes lined up at Sun Youth. (Credit: CityNews/Felisha Adam)

Tricia Richardson’s daughter Aiyanah was also awarded a new bicycle.

“It’s always good for kids to be recognized for all the work that they do for their community and whether it be at home, at school or just the neighborhood that they live in,” said Richardson.

Aiyanah was nominated from 500 kids in her school.

“In the mornings I help with the snacks and the breakfast in the morning to give to the kids so they can eat,” she said. “And I also help children outside like in the afternoon if they need help or if ever they get separated from a teacher who is not there.”