Chiara's disco part of desire to help

Chiara Stride, 10, holding her dog Ruby, says she is passionate about helping people and caring for animals.

Chiara Stride is asking people to put on their dancing shoes in the name of charity.
The 10-year-old is organising a disco for children aged 5-13 to raise money for Ronald McDonald House.

When the Te Mata School student heard there was a child with cancer at her school she wanted to do something.

Chiara's mother, Diane Stride, said her daughter had always been active in the community caring for others who needed help.

Chiara had visited retirement homes regularly, read to the elderly and held their handbags while accompanying them on coffee dates.

The burglary of the Christchurch Ronald McDonald House which happened in July this year also prompted Chiara's efforts.

Burglars broke into the locked building and stole cash as well as a safe while families with sick children slept nearby.

Chiara said she hoped at least 100 people would attend the disco and more than $100 would be raised for the house.

When asked what the best part about helping people was Chiara said: "I really like making the people happy and seeing their happy faces."

Her mother said Chiara had always enjoyed helping people but she'd been really keen to raise money in the past year.

"I know she's always had a heart for helping," Ms Stride said.

Ms Stride said helping people was also an interest of hers and she thought that was why Chiara always went out of her way.

The keen volunteer also took the opportunity of a persuasive writing exercise at school to express her feelings about the importance of helping.

Chiara wrote: "I reckon EVERYONE should volunteer at some stage of their life because it helps their community and your community.

"I am pretty much saying if YOU volunteer you could just make a difference in someone's life."

The Stride family is also supported by the local church, Village Baptist. Ms Stride said the disco "wouldn't be going ahead without them".

Chiara's passion for helping others extended beyond humanity itself, she also cared strongly for animals and planned to make a career out of it when she grew up.

A vet, an animal breeder, or an animal writer are currently on the cards.

?The disco will be held at the Village Baptist church from 6pm-8pm Friday, November 27. Entry is $2, lollies and drinks will also be available. Proceeds to Ronald McDonald House.