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South Surrey boy finds way to support homeless people

Henry Galbraith, 6, created Henry’s Helping Hands
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Henry Galbraith holds a hand-written note that’s included in every Henry’s Helping Hands supply bag. (Karen Klein photo)

Henry Galbraith, 6, thought that there must be a way he could help.

Earlier this month, Henry and his mother Karen Klein were leaving McDonald’s on 32 Avenue in South Surrey when they came across a young adult panhandling on the median.

“Mom, what’s that boy doing standing there?” Henry reportedly asked his mother.

Klein told Peace Arch News Sunday that she explained to her son that not everyone is as lucky as they are.

“I said ‘some people don’t have a place to live, or food as we do. So this boy is asking for people’s help, food, money, and he probably doesn’t have a place to sleep,’” Klein explained to her son.

Before the traffic light changed colour, Henry asked his mother to give the panhandler his McDonald’s pancakes.

Klein told PAN that over the following days, Henry became more curious about homeless people and poverty issues.

When it came time for Henry to make his wish-list for Santa, mother and son agreed that it would be a good time to help the less fortunate, Klein told PAN.

Henry and his mother started “Henry’s Helping Hands.”

Over the following couple of weeks, Klein collected donations through her work and the two started organizing baggies filled with essentials, such as toiletries, warm clothing and snacks.

Each bag contains a hand-written note from Henry that reads “I care about you! Love Henry.”

Sunday, Henry and his mom prepared about 25 bags and have supplies to create a few more.

They plan to always have a goodie-bag on them, so instead of handing over pancakes while waiting for a light, they can donate a bag filled with useful supplies. Klein said they are also in the process of co-ordinating with a community service that could make use of Henry’s helpful bags.



About the Author: Aaron Hinks

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