The wee Highland Pixies are putting their magic touches on Squamish in a big effort to improve the community.
The group of a dozen seven and eight-year-old girls, which formed in September with goals of learning new skills and seeking adventure with a commitment to community service, completed its first mission on Wednesday (Nov. 25) evening by delivering loads of clothing to the Squamish Helping Hands Society.
"They've had lots of fun raiding their dads' closets for clothes," said Highland Pixies co-organizer Catharine Adams, who took part with her daughters Madi and Ryleigh.
Squamish Fire Rescue members, led by Madi and Ryleigh's dad and new deputy fire chief Mike Adams, also contributed to filling about five full car loads with clothing and unloading in the pouring rain.
The supplies are much welcomed, said Helping Hands Society vice-chairperson Ken Pickering, especially now that Squamish is heading into the cold winter months.
"It's absolutely great. It's fabulous," he said.
"The clothes are well needed and will be well used because we have a lot of people in need."
After the boxes, bags and baked goods were unloaded, the Highland Pixies got a tour and learned about the facility and the society's responsibilities. The kids discovered that more has to be done, so their next project is to collect non-perishables and perhaps even make holiday decorations for the main room.
The project is just the beginning of the girls' efforts, said Adams.
"It really showed me that the potential is there in many different avenues," she said. "There are so many ways we can help and it doesn't take much. The joy that it brings [the girls] just makes them better people in the long run."
The Highland Pixies will continue to meet twice a month, overseen by Adams and co-organizer Paula Hitsman. When the weather improves, the group plans to venture on camping trips and other outdoor activities.
But in the meantime, they will continue to dedicate their efforts to the Helping Hands Society. The society supplies lunch and dinner to between 30 and 60 people per day. And demand for the 15 available beds is expected to increase.
