Secretary Sharon Clark founded Sharon's Kids in 1968 at General Motors (GM). Sharon's Kids is a charity affiliated with the Durham Children's Aid Society in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Funds are allocated to the "Children's Fund." Over its 35-year history, General Motors' employees have raised funds as a result of raffles, golf tournaments, barbeques an many other organized, fun events. Their efforts have allowed thousands of dollars to be donated to provide Christmas presents and summer camp adventure for hundreds of children under the care of this agency. Generous GM employees have reached into their pockets and their hearts to make a successful yearly event! This outpouring of support makes GM a better place in which to work and Durham Region a better place in which to live.
"If only one child smiles because Santa remembered, then my part in making this happen has been worthwhile. Generosity doesn't change things, it changes people, and they change things. How very grateful I am to have the support of so many GM employees, from the President to the Autoworker. These acts of generosity do make a difference," says Sharon.
The popularity of Sharon's Kids has spread to other organizations and businesses in Durham Region who make cash donations or donate raffle prizes to this charity
In 1968, a small group of employees raised donations amounting to $25.00. In 2003, a much larger group of generous people were responsible for donations totaling $46,400! Each year, the total donations increase steadily. To date, donations have totaled well over $385,000!
Sharon has a large, dedicated team of volunteers. Volunteers sell tickets in the plant or canvas workgroups for donations. Others shop for and wrap the gifts, while others deliver the food and presents to the families.
In 2001, after 38 years of seniority at GM, Sharon retired. She continues to work from her home for this charity, thanks to many special people who keep the spirit of Sharon's Kids alive.
While Sharon may be the founder of Sharon's Kids, it has become much more than she ever dreamed possible. "It stands for people with heart. It is about family, tradition, dedication and teamwork at its best. It stands for incredibly giving people who are dedicated to help the less fortunate, especially children in the community," says Sharon.
A familiar sign in the plant at Christmas time:
If you Care, Share with "Sharon's Kids!"
A few years ago, Sharon helped to create another fund raising project for the Durham Children's Aid Society (CAS). She sells Limited Edition prints of Car Art by Artist Tony Johnson.
Tony donates 10% to the CAS. Gabe Kozma of A & M Sales, who frames the art, donates 10% to the CAS, also. Tony and Gabe combined, have donated over $15,000 to this agency to date!
If you would like to consider purchasing a print details on all six limited edition prints available, are as follows:
You can use the online print-friendly, order form to order by regular post, or contact Sharon Clark by email (using "Tony Johnson print" as your subject) or telephone Sharon at 905-579-1587.
