Grey-Bruce Kids Winter 2021/22

THEN
NOW
CHRISTOPHER PENNINGTON
Winter 2015/16
Christopher, 16, lives in Kincardine. He was diagnosed
with kidney disease in 2015 and, since then, he and
his family and friends have raised $85,000 for the Kidney
Foundation of Canada.
Christopher chooses to embrace his disease and search for
options to bring awareness to his community by participating
in and chairing local walks. His passion to search for a cure for
kidney disease and a world without failure is truly incredible at
such an early age.
Christopher has been recognized many times for his efforts,
receiving a Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016, the Excellence
in Fundraising Award from the Ontario Kidney Foundation
in 2017, the Meridian Good Neighbour Award in 2018 from
the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, and a
Huron-Bruce Remarkable Citizen Award in 2019. He was also
awarded the Ontario Junior Citizen Award in 2020, as well as
the Kidney Walk of Excellence Award.
He plans to continue raising funds for the charity that’s closest
to his heart.
their endurance for the two-day journey. As she trained, Eden also
worked hard to raise funds and sponsorships for the trip.
On Aug. 18 her team biked the first 100 km, ending in Wiarton.
The next day, they rode the remaining 90.1 km, arriving at the
Tobermory ferry terminal just after noon, accompanied by an
OPP cruiser with sirens blaring and lights flashing.
Eden raised $5,355 for her favourite charity, the Jane Goodall
Institute of Canada. She was also successful in inspiring people
to think about their own environmental impact and learn how
to make better, greener choices. On Sept. 17, Eden travelled to
Toronto to deliver her donation in person. She was welcomed by
the staff of the JGIC with much enthusiasm and gratitude.
Eden attends Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton. She
is starting an environmental committee there and continues
to work tirelessly to bring awareness and raise funds with the
hope of protecting the natural world. Eden also works for At
Last Forest Schools as a leader, teaching the next generation of
children all about the wonders of nature and the need to protect
our Earth from the devastating damages of climate change.
Keep your eyes open – you haven’t seen the last of Eden Babbitt.
greybrucekids.com • 19