The Estevan Kinettes Club continued its tradition of paying tribute to a dedicated young volunteer in the community during the annual Princess and Pirates Ball for Cystic Fibrosis.
Tianna Wallman was presented with the Pay it Forward Princess Award at the ball on Saturday afternoon at the Estevan Elks Lodge. The award has been presented for the past few years to a young person who wants to help others.
An eight-year-old Grade 3 student at Hillcrest School, Tianna was selected for her willingness to help people of all ages. She delivered Christmas cards to the residents of the Estevan Regional Nursing Home, rang bells for the Estevan Salvation Army’s kettle campaign, is a member of the local Brownies, and helps around the house with chores and renovations.
If she sees litter lying around the community, she will pick it up, and if she sees a shopping cart loose in parking lots, she will take it to the cart corral. Tianna also provides assistance to one of her grandfathers, who has mobility issues.
She said she does it because she likes to help out in the community, and she cares about people.
In the case of the cards, she made about 40 last year. She signed her name and created a drawing inside the cards.
“They made people happy,” Tianna said.
And when people made a donation to the Salvation Army while she was ringing bells, she handed them a card.
Tianna has also been a supporter of Telemiracle, which is organized by the Kinsmen and Kinettes each year. At Telemiracle 40 two years ago, Tianna and her mother Krissy started a fundraiser called Helping Stars.
“Tianna went canvassing around to family and friends, asking them to buy stars, and then we donated the money towards Telemiracle, and she even got to go on stage with me to present it, and it was such a hit that the next year, we raised even more money,” said Wallman. “And that was probably one of my proud moments, because I’m a huge Telemiracle fan.”
They raised $600 two years ago and $800 last year. Some have donated to Tianna’s efforts without purchase a helping star.
“We got donations from people who didn’t really send money to Telemiracle, but because Tianna was putting on this fundraiser, they’re willing to give,” said Krissy.
They hope to have another Telemiracle fundraiser this year.
Krissy said she is proud her daughter wants to help out in the community and raise money.
“I encouraged her at the beginning, but now she does it her herself,” said Krissy.
And at the end of the 2016-17 school year, when certificates were handed out in her classroom, Tianna’s teacher noted that she has a big heart.
“She was always the first one there to pat somebody on the back, or ask them if they’re OK, if they’re sad,” said Krissy. “That’s just part of how she grew up. She’s very empathetic about those around her.”
Kasey McIntyre, who was the chairperson and the MC of the Princesses and Pirates Ball, also applauded Tianna for her willingness to volunteer at such a young age.
Tianna was presented with her certificate at the ball by last year’s recipients, McKenna and Brooklyn Ruzicka.
“I thought that was kind, because I thought that was a great way for other princesses to pass on recognition for her kind duties in the community,” said McIntyre.
McIntyre said the Kinettes wanted an opportunity during the ball to acknowledge a young person who has shown the qualities of a Kinette at a young age, and Tianna epitomized that description.
“When you meet her, or talk with her, you can just feel how kind she is, and how much she cares about everything she does,” said McIntyre. “I can see why teachers in her school gave her recognition for having a big heart.”
If someone is recognized for their contributions at a young age, McIntyre believes they will want to continue to donate their time, regardless of whether it’s through the Kinettes or another club.
And if people don’t know learn to volunteer or donate their time, then they often won’t when they’re older.
“We thought if we give recognition for these things, then they will be passionate about giving back as well,” said McIntyre.
