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Quinn Johnson (blue stocking hat) and Violet Koster show you are never too young to make a difference. Photo courtesy of Tina Hegg Ragway
Afghanistan is 6,627 miles from Grand Marais, but that distance seemed to disappear at a Y-Ski event last Sunday. The Y-Ski families gathered at Pincushion to ski and one young lady decided to sell treats, toys, and hot chocolate to those that had gathered. What would she use the money for?
With a lot of help from her friends, Quinn Johnson, age eight, was raising funds to help people in Afghanistan.
According to the International Rescue Committee, Afghanistan tops the list with the most significant humanitarian concerns for next year.
“Kids loved having treats on such a nice day, and it was truly a joy to see everyone excited about a good cause,” said Tina Hegg Ragway. “Quinn Johnson and her friends were able to raise $227 from the bake sale and cocoa after the Y-Ski, which will be donated to the International Rescue Committee. As her mom Lori Rothstein said:
“Not only does that help feed 30-plus children for the month, but you also helped a girl believe that when you have an idea, invite others in, and work hard, you can make a difference.”
Quinn is a busy third grader who attends Great Expectations School (GES) in Grand Marais.
Quinn heard a story on NPR about how the Taliban have taken over again in Afghanistan, which is compounded by a severe drought and created a dangerous famine situation.
When asked if Quinn often follows the news, Lori responded, “Quinn loves the news and has been inspired by other mighty women throughout history. She recently read Malala Yousafzai’s autobiography. She was disheartened that Malala was shot by the Taliban for going to school.
“So, when she heard the NPR news report, she was moved to do something. The next day she spent her recess talking to kids and asking if they would help. She wrote their names on a piece of paper and marked if they would donate toys or money for the cause. She even put a sign up in the girl’s bathroom at school.
Inspired by Quinn, the kids at her school started donating their toys for a “garage sale.” That pivoted to a bake sale fundraiser at the end of Yski and included the table of donated toys along with hot chocolate and baked goods.
“Violet (Koster) and Quinn may have had the idea (for the sale), but other kids chipped in too. Some kids even emptied out their piggy banks and donated some of their birthday money to make a contribution to the cause,” said Rothstein.
Quinn has big goals and dreams, said her mom. “She is currently working toward skiing 100 km this winter and making it to the YMCA state swim meet in the IM, backstroke, and freestyle. When she isn’t on the go with those, she is either creating a routine for her lyra swing or getting lost in a story. Like Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, ‘“Never underestimate the power of a girl with a good book.”’
Said Tina, “I skied with Quinn on Sunday, and she told me her goal was to raise $500. If you are interested in contributing but didn’t get a chance, please get in touch with Lori (lorirothstein@yahoo.com), and she will make sure that your donation gets to the right place!”
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