Local Youth Making A Difference on a Global Scale

Johnathan Hutton

Blitz story

Nov. 7, 2014

 

Local Youth Making a Difference on a Global Scale

A local youth is showing her drive and determination to make a differenceby raisingmoney to help those who are less fortunate.

Sydney Brouillard-Coyle began to show her passion for helping the community at the age of six years old, when she decided to help feed the hungry throughthe simple act of making sandwiches for the Downtown Mission.  Since then Sydney has broadened her horizons by helping others on a much more global scale.  In 2013, she visited Kenya on a family trip to Africa and was moved by how difficult it was for Kenyan children to get access to water.

“When I did the water walk, it was an eye opener for me, just to see how much they struggle just to get some basic human rights such as water,” said Brouillard-Coyle.“It’s ridiculous that we can just turn on the tap and they have to walk miles.”

The trip deeply influenced Sydney to take action and at the age of 13, she helped raise over $5,000 under her leadership as a local representative for Free the Children Organization.  This money will be used to help build a high school in Kenya for girls.

When asked how Sydney first got involved with Free the Children, Sydney’s mom, Chris Brouillard-Coyle said, “My husband and I had been following Free the Children for quite awhile and had really been hoping that my daughter would get involved in it, because it does engage youth in a wonderful way.  My husband and I had both been to Kenya for different reasons in our history.”

Since then Sydney has created the group the Shameless Idealists of Windsor. The group meets on Sundays at her family home to discuss local and global needs.  Sydney’s parents support these gatherings by providing their home as a place to meet as well as some financial support.

“We see this as an opportunity for them to learn and to grow and to develop their own passions and their own energy and their own interests and their own skills,” said Chris.“So when they have meetings we keep an ear open as to what’s going on but we generally let them take the lead and do what they need to do.”

Chris takes pride in her daughter’s efforts.  She describes them as both humbling and amazing times in her life.

“She’s a good kid, we always joked that we have a little bit of a different family, in that social justice is a common theme at meals and family walks, and to know that she’s embraced that it’s a wonder for my husband and I.” said Chris.

Sydney’s journey continues to grow as she has become more passionate than ever and is inspiring the youth of today to take action.  She was asked to be a public speaker for WE day in Toronto.

“The first time she went out to WE Day she was at the Air Canada Centre in front of 20,000 people and she just nailed it,” said Chris. “Her passion.  Her energy.  I just couldn’t be more proud.”

Sydney continues to advocate for those in need by encouraging others to be part of the cause.  She invites those who are interested to learn more about efforts to visit the Shameless Idealists of Windsor Facebook page.

“I’ve dedicated my life to making a difference,” said Brouillard-Coyle. “It doesn’t matter how old or how young you are, just go out there and make a change you want to see in the world.”

 

 

 

Sydney Brouillard-Coyle, 14 raised over $5000 for kids in Kenya is at her high-school. Nov.7, 2014. (Photo by Johnathan Huttton)