So often these days we are told that kids just are not like the kids of days gone by. They are selfish, and greedy and want everything handed to them in a golden spoon. As someone who taught kids for 14 years, I really did not see it that way.
In fact, as someone who has employed a lot of teenagers, I find that there are still plenty with a great work ethic, a generous heart, and a kind character.
This next story is about a 10-year-old young lad, who has the most generous heart, with a kind soul, and a spirit that gives. You will be moved – I guarantee it.
Ryker Brocklesby, and his family, are seasonal campers at Sunset Shores Campground in Batchawana Bay. Ryker is a philanthropist, a young entrepreneur, a game changer and just a super good kid. Ryker, under the supervision and guidance of his dad, Steve, has been collecting beer and bottle empties for two seasons now.
He collects them from friends and family and from his neighbours at Sunset Shores Campground, and returns them to us here at the Voyageurs' Lodge where we have a beer bottle return depot.
Along the way, he often has help from other youngsters in the park. The great thing about Ryker's story is that he donates the money collected to charities of his choice.
Last season he donated $1000 to ARCH, and this season Ryker told me that the funds raised are headed to Harvest Algoma. Harvest Algoma is a group of farmers, producers, suppliers working with the United Way to try and combat food insecurity here in the Algoma region.
Wow! What a kind and compassionate and generous, and giving thing to do for a 10 year old. Ryker, you are an amazing kid with a kind heart.
With all of the bad news that has been coming our way these days, Ryker's story is just full of the kind of energy we all need. Ryker, you are an inspiration to all of us of what it means to care- to want to help your community - to want to help your planet.
The staff here at the lodge have become inspired by Ryker and the kids that tag along with him, and they make sure he and his pals get an ice cream everytime they do a drop off. What adds to this story is how thankful Ryker is to us for taking the empties (something we have to do as an Agency Store Depot). Ryker makes sure he thanks me personally at the end of every dropoff.
Ryker is very thankful to all his friends and family for their help, and of course, he is so appreciative of the Sunset Shore community for getting behind his effort. He also mentioned to me that he is very thankful to Steve from Main Filter for all of his generosity. Thank you Steve. You certainly have made an impression on Ryker.
Ryker, his friends and his dad, arrive here every Sunday with his large quantity of empties already sorted, counted and tallied up on paper. It is obvious that both his parents are in on the gig big time, and they make sure he does a thorough and accurate job. It is very clear here that the apple has not fallen far from the tree. Thanks mom and dad.
Ryker's story has to get out there. It is such good news, so full of kindness and joy, and so full of what the human spirit can do when energy is channeled in the right direction. That this story comes from a young person of 10 years of age gives us hope for the future. Ryker has indicated to me that when he turns 14 he wants to work here at the lodge. He doesn’t know it, but the interview and practicum period has already been passed with flying colours, and he will most certainly have a job waiting for him here when he does turn 14.
Well Ryker here is to you pal. 10 fingers and 10 toes up. Way Up! We look forward to seeing you in that pickup truck full of empties next season, and cannot wait to hear what charity will benefit from your giving work next year.
Hope you have a great hockey season, and I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
Your friend, Frank O’Connor.
Frank O'Connor and his wife Gail are the owners and operators of Voyageur Lodge and Cookhouse in Batchawana Bay. He's writing a profile a day leading up to Dec. 24, featuring people who have given back to their community in a positive way through their good deeds and work.