At a young age, Ashton’s compassion and generosity are positively impacting the lives of others. Thousands of miles south of Minnesota, in a town called Leogane there lives a young boy named Ernest who attends Lott Carey School. Ashton and his family sponsor Ernest (pictured at right) to attend school through Haiti Kids School, and they shared their story with us.
Two years ago, Ashton and his family found out about Lott Carey School and student sponsorship opportunities through Haiti Kids School from their friend Molly. As a family they decided to sponsor a child, and their hearts went out to the older boys who may not have as easy of a time finding a sponsor. They saw Ernest’s photo and information who was about 12 years old at the time, and close in age to their eldest son, Aidan. As parents they were hopeful that the age similarities would be a better way for their boys to relate and connect.
Like so many of us experienced this past year, COVID prevented Ashton from having a birthday party in the traditional sense. However, he quickly turned his thoughts to other things he could do in lieu of a party. Since their friends and family weren’t exchanging gifts, they decided that the money could better be spent helping other children with greater needs. With the help of his parents, Ashton set up a Birthday Fundraiser on Facebook, asked his loved ones to donate, and raised over $265 for Haiti Kids School- and he has plans to raise even more! Click this link to watch Ashton's YouTube video.
Ashton’s dad and his team at Guaranteed Rate Mortgage Company are supportive of fundraising efforts for non-profits and are helping Ashton spread the word about the good that is being done with funds at Lott Carey School, encourage other corporate sponsors, and the incredible life learning that Ashton is experiencing.
Ashton’s parents are teaching their kids about gratitude, privilege, and the importance of helping others. Ashton and his brother Aidan have learned first-hand about adversity, as both their parents are cancer survivors. They’ve found that as a family, helping others can be empowering when there are so many things outside of their control. Helping another child was something they could do, after so many helped them through a difficult time.
Ashton and his family hope to one day travel to Haiti to see Ernest graduate, meet his friends, and family, and be there to cheer him on in his future endeavors.
When not busy fundraising, Ashton and Aidan love to help cook, snowboard, swim, and play basketball. Ashton also loves the trampoline and taught himself how to do a backflip by himself.
On behalf of the entire Haiti Kids School Team and Board of Directors, Lott Carey teachers, and school staff we want to express our deepest gratitude to Ashton and his family for sponsoring Ernest and continuing to support our mission.
If you'd like to contribute to Ashton's fundraiser on Facebook, here is the link.
