Teen celebrates milestone birthday by giving back

A teenager from Thompson, Man. is celebrating his 18th birthday by throwing a party for those less fortunate. 

Colin Winship is in graduating from high school in June. Instead of throwing a big party with his friends to celebrate becoming an adult, Winship is doing something a little more thoughtful, since he can't have people over with the current COVID restrictions. 

"I was kind of lonely for my 17th birthday," he says as it was shortly after the first round of lockdowns. "But I still wanted to do something special for my 18th."

Winship decided to give back to the community for the occasion. 

"I'm doing a fundraiser and it's all going towards the homeless shelter. On the day we're going to give them pizza, soda, chips, and cupcakes."

The Winship's are using the money they would have allocated for Colin's party and giving it to the shelter instead. Therefore, any additional funds raised will go towards buying the shelter items they need.

"I wanted to do something unique and that the people I was fundraising for would remember. I think this might be the first time in Thompson history that someone has thrown a birthday party for people who find themselves without a home."

Winship and his family have volunteered at the shelter in the past. 

"It's kind of been a Christmas tradition up until COVID hit. Every year for as long as I can remember we went to that same shelter and volunteered. I think that's part of what inspired me to do this in the first place because I've been there."

Winship says the experience has already been fulfilling. The deadline for donations is May 2 at noon, which is Winship's birthday. 

"The entire town is coming together to do this thing, and it's great."