A Million Acts of Love (AMAOL) has found their first grantee in Ella Gauthier, a student in Kamloops honouring her brother and Rare Disease Day, recognized Feb. 28.
"It’s so rewarding to see young people take action for causes they care about and to be able to play a part in making it happen," said Felix Townsin, 15, who founded the charitable organization – aimed at spreading kindness – with the help of his parents. The organization also funds grants to help young people launch social impact projects.
Townsin founded the organization in honour of his late sister Lexi who passed away just before her 7th birthday from a rare disease called Blau syndrome.
Gauthier's family was also impacted by a rare disease. She aimed to honour her brother Jack who lives with ASH1L, a rare genetic disorder, by giving out cupcakes to her classmates in Kamloops to highlight Rare Disease Day.
With the help of AMOAL, Gauthier was able to secure a sponsorship from Fresh St. Market Bakery in Kamloops, after Felix Townsin contacted the bakery asking them to donate cupcakes.
The bakery then agreed to provide 325 cupcakes to Gauthier so she could host her event.
“Ella's deep personal commitment to raising awareness stood out. Her brother Jack has ASH1L, a rare genetic disorder, and she wanted to make a real impact at her school,” said Cheryl-Lynn Townsin, Felix’s mother.
“Her idea to create an event at her school and distribute zebra-themed cupcakes as a conversation starter was creative, meaningful, and actionable.”
Cherly-Lynn Townsin hopes that this creative grant model might inspire future sponsorships. Meanwhile, Felix Townsin was proud to help out someone with a story so similar to his.
"I know firsthand how hard it is to be a sibling of a child with a rare disease and to feel powerless. I also know how being supported to take on initiatives like this can change everything,” he said.
“Empowering kids to make a difference and feel like they are doing something meaningful can be life-changing."
