By Sarah Stone

P.A. girl making a difference at a young age

Jan 9, 2015 | 5:42 AM

While most seven year olds are playing with nail art, one Prince Albert girl is figuring out how she can help others.

Kaeleigh Burns is working to raise money for the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women. The idea just came to her one day, she said.

“I’m selling cookies and I’m giving away clothes and toys and other household items,” she said Wednesday afternoon sitting beside her sister Makala and brother Matthew. “I think I knew all the girls and boys and moms were really tired of stuff, so I wanted to help them.”

When she and her family told the shelter about the initiative, she said they were “happy” and “excited.”

The shelter isn’t the only one happy about what Kaeleigh is doing; 17-year-old Makala is getting on board.

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“I’m so proud, so proud of my little sister.  She’s 10 years younger than me and she is the absolute—my biggest hero,” Makala said.

Matthew, 11, shared that sentiment.

“She’s (Makala) supposed to be influencing her, but she’s (Kaeleigh) influencing her (Makala),” Matthew interjected.

Although Kaeleigh hasn’t had personal experience with the YWCA, her sister has.

According to Makala, when the Burns’ family first moved to Prince Albert around 10 years before Kaeleigh was born, Makala said they didn’t have anywhere to go, so they utilized the women’s shelter for about a week.

“It really hit close to home,” Makala said.

The trio baked their first batch of cookies Wednesday night and made their first delivery.

Those interested in buying a batch can do so through Prince Albert’s Buy and Sell Facebook page. 

A batch of 36 cookies can be purchased for $10 and 18 for $5. Kaeleigh’s goal is $500.  “That’s a lot for me,” she whispered with a smile.

“I want people to know that I care for others because I really want to help other people,” Kaeleigh said, hoping it will be an idea that spreads.

sstone@panow.com

On Twitter: @sarahstone84