Children’s Birthday Miracles is a charitable organization committed to bringing joy to children in need by celebrating birthdays for kids living in homeless shelters and hosting special parties for children battling cancer through Kids Cancer Care. By providing food, entertainment, and gifts, the organization ensures that every child, regardless of their circumstances, experiences the excitement of a birthday celebration. We spoke with Sairose Kassam, Executive Director, to learn how the organization has grown over the past 13 years, from self-funded celebrations to becoming a registered charity.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
We have been in existence for 13 years helping celebrate Birthdays for kids in homeless shelters and also have special parties for Kids with Cancer through Kids Cancer Care.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We realized that kids in shelters are not able to celebrate their birthdays and the other children in the shelter are not able to attend birthday parties as they cannot afford a present so we are able to help them participate in a party with food, entertainment (magicians, face painters, etc), birthday cake, etc
When did you start/join it?
January 2013, when Sheliza was 15.
What made you want to get involved?
My daughter Sheliza started it and was underage to control the funds so I took over that role and then have been involved with all aspects
What was the situation like when you started?
We spent our own money and did the parties until we became a non profit to then be able to collect money to help with the parties
How has it changed since?
We are now a charitable organization and can give a charitable donation which helps with donations. We do a lot on line to order presents and food.
What more needs to be done?
Continued donation to help with the parties, If someone has entertainment skills that they are willing to donate their time eg. Magician, mascots, etc
How can our readers help?
Donate to the organization. Organize a party where the donations go to CBM. Donate a few gifts from a kids party to CBM to teach the children how to give to children who cannot afford gifts
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
I love Carya as they help children and older adults…I would love to connect you with Carya and the great work we are doing there as I am an employee there!!