CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. – Sylas Thompson has reached his $30, 000 fundraising goal.
The 11-year-old Campbell River boy met his fundraising goal and according to his grandmother Sheryl Thompson, he even surpassed it.
She said the final amount will be announced towards the end of March, after all donations come in. Sheryl said they hope to make the announcement at the Tyee Spit, where Sylas had been swimming, and to give the cheques to the two organizations he had been fundraising for.
The proceeds from Sylas’ swim will be split between the Campbell River Women’s Resource Centre and Grassroots, Kind Hearts Society.
Campbell River Women’s Resource Centre caters to women in the city who may need, ranging from income taxes to clothes and feminine hygiene, as well as a safe place to stay in for a bit. They serve women from all economic backgrounds.
Grassroots, Kind Hearts Society serves nightly dinners for the vulnerable and homeless in Campbell River.
“It feels really good. It’s a little bit emotional because it’s been quite a ride every day. I’ve never cried so much and laughed so much as I did this month,” Sheryl said.
She said the family is very proud of what Sylas has accomplished.
“I’ve been crying with tears of gratitude. I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Campbell River, and people from Toronto and Vancouver who’ve sent money over.”
Linda Schulz, drop-in coordinator at the Campbell River Women’s Resource Centre said she is extremely grateful and proud of Sylas’ accomplishment.
“Through watching (the fundraising campaign), I got to know what an amazing community Campbell River is and how so many people came together to want this to happen, and it just touches my heart,” Schulz said.
Schulz said she is also grateful that Sylas’ campaign has also raised awareness for the Resource Centre. More people now know about the services they offer and what they do for the community.
Sheryl said Sylas is already looking forward to doing another fundraising campaign. This time, she said he plans on doing swims up and down Vancouver Island and to give the proceeds to each community where he swims.
But for now, she said Sylas will swim one more time on Thursday, and they will give this campaign’s to the two organizations by March’s end.
