A girl guide dedicated to raising funds for the homeless has raised almost $300 in dimes in just two weeks.

Caitlin Billing is a member of the Ground Doves Girl Guide troop from St. Patrick's Church in Smith's.

For a badge, the guides decided to collect dimes for the homeless over a three-week period.

Now at the end of their second week Caitlin, 11, who never collected for charity before, has collected almost $300.

The Saltus Junior School student decided to collect dimes from children at her school.

She has also involved the staff at the City Hall and Corporation of Hamilton to help.

"Some people have given more than once, so it's difficult to say how much individuals have given," said Caitlin.

"I have received a lot of foreign coins as well as the odd penny or nickel. Most of the foreign money has been Canadian."

"The money raised will go to Hands of Love a local charity for the homeless."

Caitlin's father, Dave Billing, is astonished at the money that she has raised.

"I am staggered at Caitlin's ingenuity and at the willingness of her classmates, friends and their parents who have been involved in the dime raising project," said Mr. Billing.

"Every day she arrives at my job with more change to count."