Child’s fundraising passion warms hearts, bodies, hands

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This article was published 24/10/2023 (723 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Hudson Lylyk is a little boy with a big heart.

At just five years old, the Winnipeg child took it upon himself to start a fundraising effort in support of Koats for Kids, generating more than $1,800 worth of donations for children in need.

“He’s very kind-hearted and gentle, and he always has been,” said mother Bria Lylyk. “He’s just always thinking of other people.”

Hudson was inspired after hearing the story of Canadian icon Terry Fox (1958-81), deciding he also wanted to help others.

His initial plan involved saving his allowance (around $5 per week) and helping uninsured Americans pay for medical expenses, Lylyk said, laughing as she recounted the moment her son first approached her.

“He’s the kind of kid I would expect would want to help people in some capacity, but at this age — and out of nowhere — to come to us and say he didn’t want his piggy bank money for himself anymore, that really took us aback,” she said.

“My husband and I were both there… We just hugged him and said, ‘We’re going to help you in whatever way we can to do this because, if this is something you are passionate about, who are we to not help you with that dream and show you the things you can do.’”

Lylyk helped her young philanthropist brainstorm a more manageable fundraising initiative, with the pair settling on a target of donating 10 snowsuits to Koats for Kids.

The charity program, which started in 1989, operates from September to January, and annually provides around 6,000 winter coats and clothing for children in need.

Hudson was “very adamant that we were getting full snow suits for every child,” complete with new coats boots, ski pants, toques and mittens, his mother said.

Lylyk, who works as a professional photographer, recorded a series of videos with Hudson and posted them online, asking the public to help support his goal. She offered eight “pay what you can” photo sessions, with the proceeds committed to the donation.

Between the sessions and other donations, Hudson was able to raise enough to meet his goal.

On Sunday, Lylyk took him shopping for winter outerwear.

“He just kept saying ‘I am so excited to donate this,’” Lylyk said, laughing again.

“We are proud of him, obviously, but the fact that he is so proud of himself for doing this really shows a level of understanding of what he is doing… he can make a difference. You don’t have to be a big grown-up with lots of money to do something, you just have to put yourself out there.”

Hudson still has a few hundred dollars leftover, which he plans to spend on additional toques, mitts and scarves.

Melissa Burgess, senior manager of engagement initiatives with United Way of Winnipeg, said the donations couldn’t come at a better time.

“We are at the point where a lot of our shelves are bare and our inventory is down, so now that the temperature is about to really drop and the snow is coming, we are desperately looking for more donations,” she said Tuesday.

“I would love to see other people get inspired by Hudson’s kindness and generosity. The reality is that we currently have hundreds of orders waiting to be filled, so the need is real right now.”

Hudson’s actions exemplify the spirit of Winnipeg — a supportive and generous community that works together to brave the bitter cold, Burgess said.

“Seeing kids learning about that at such a young age and stepping up and doing what they can, in whatever way that may be, to support their peers… it’s magical,” Burgess said.

“To think of a young boy who is… so passionate about making a difference in the community is just the best gift.”

Koats for Kids accepts donations of new or gently used winter gear at numerous drop-off locations throughout Winnipeg. People seeking to donate, or in need of a winter coat, can find more information online.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca