A party, cake and presents are generally what a child's birthday is all about, but not for Henri Brochu.

This year, Henri decided to forgo the gift bags and wrapping paper for his 8th birthday party and instead asked his friends for a donation to help others.

On Saturday (July 7), Henri and his mom Kim came together with Margaret Van Tighem, President of Big Hill Haven (Cochrane's up and coming women's emergency shelter) to hand over a $150 cash donation.

While Big Hill Haven has received many sizable donations, this one was pretty special to Van Tighem. "When I got the message I started crying. I thought for somebody that young to have that kind of empathy for people is pretty impressive."

Van Tighem traded the monetary donation for a special 'Groot' sculpture made from woodchips and resin. "I brought him Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy because Groot's one of the guardians and I told him now he would be one of the guardians for the women and children that are in need because he donated the money."

Kim shares this is the first year they have decided to give rather than receive. "We normally invite the whole class and there's a lot of gifts he doesn't need. Kids only need so many toys and after that it becomes somewhat meaningless; I think it means more to them to see that they can help someone else out."

Henri says he didn't miss the gifts and he would do it again. "I wanted money so I could donate it."

Kim gave Henri three different suggestions for where he could donate his money and she was pleased he picked a community based organization. "We talk a lot about helping others, especially in our community and that is why I am happy he chose an organization in Cochrane."

The donated money will go towards staffing Big Haven's only paid employee, a newly appointed outreach worker. Van Tighem says she couldn't be more proud. "He is helping us change people's lives in our community and that's pretty big."