Eleven-year-old Sylas Thompson raised $37,217.48 for the Women’s Resource Centre and Grassroots Kindhearts with his daily swim off Tyee Spit for 36 consecutive days during one of the coldest Februaries in some time.
At a ceremony in March, Thompson and his grandmother Sheryl Thompson unveiled the grand total at Rose Harbour with friends, family and supporters in attendance. Sylas was showered with affection, gratitude and gifts from the two organizations he pledged to help.
Sylas’ goal was to raise $30,000 but he beat that by $7,217.48.
Sylas gave credit to the community at large. In addition to contributing money, he was joined by fellow students, individuals and community organizations on many of his daily swims.
“I just want to thank the community because without the community I wouldn’t even be able to raise $1,” Sylas said.
Sylas was able to bring the community together to support these two causes. In all, 181 individuals, businesses and organizations donated to Sylas’ swims.
Sylas was inspired to do the swims because his grandmother volunteers with the Women’s Resource Centre and contributes to the meals for the homeless that Grassroots Kindhearts provides.
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