How $10 might help change a life in this corner of New Brunswick

With the rising cost of living, $10 is now considered pocket change to some.

That's just the mindset John Urquhart is banking on.

He started a Facebook group, the Belleisle Valley 10-Buck Club, for his neighbours in rural Kings County.

"Just about anybody can afford to give $10 to help out a neighbour," Urquhart said in an interview with Information Morning Saint John. 

The idea is simple: when someone falls into hard times, almost everyone offers $10 to help. It may seem like a small amount on its own, but when it adds up, it can make all the difference.

"Normally it's around $2,000 and it could be up to $4,000 or $4,500, depending on what the ask is and how things are going in the community at the time," Urquhart said.

And the kindness is often instantaneous. 

"If something was going on in the community, then we were able to raise funds within hours most of the time to help out any family that needed a little bit of help at the time."

When a woman and her grandson lost their Hatfield Point home to a fire in October, the group was quick to act.

"It's a community, so news like that travels fast around here," he said.

The group's been going for about four years and has more than 400 members. Urquhart, who lives in Kars, said many people will often make larger donations.

"It's nearly immediate when the ask goes out, when the funds start coming in, it's very quick. It's really nice."

Sometimes the group will gather together donations, such as groceries, and distribute them to local families who could use the help.

Recipients are always appreciative and often astounded at the generosity they find themselves surrounded by, Urquhart said.

The page is run by a board of directors who field calls from the community whenever someone thinks they have a worthwhile recipient. 

"We look at everything that's suggested to us, and I don't think we've turned anything down so far. Not that I recall anyway. When there's a need in the community, we're always there," he said.

"This is a great community. If someone is sick or if someone has a loss or some sort of tragedy, the community comes together and everybody always wants to help," he said. 

The $10-Buck Club "just gives them the vehicle to do that."