Seven-year-old with a 'little old soul' wins peace award

The Grade 2 student at St. Raphael Catholic Elementary School was determined to do something to help, and with help from family and the students at Lasalle Secondary School, he ended up raising $8,000.

The funds went to the NGO The Water Project to help build a well at Tulon Secondary School in Western Kenya.

With the well up and running since February, Tayler has now set his sights on collecting soap for people in the area so they'll be able to wash their hands properly.

In recognition of his leadership, Tayler was presented with a YMCA Peace Medal by the YMCA Sudbury Nov. 20.

The awards are given to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, demonstrate a commitment to promoting and inspiring participation, empathy, advocacy, community and empowerment.

“Sometimes as adults we want to please people ... we're looking for recognition,” said Demontigny.

“But because he's so little he just does it out of the goodness of his heart ... He wasn't like 'Oh look at me I'm so wonderful I did this.' He's too young to get that. When he did get the medal, I think it was more the adults that were so proud of him.

“We said 'You got this medal,' and he was just like 'Yep!' He doesn't need recognition, but it was nice to see he did get it.”

Tayler said it was “pretty neat” to receive the award. He said he showed it off ot his classmates, but now it's sitting on his dresser in his room.

The awards are handed out every year during YMCA Peace Week, when people are asked to reflect on peace, and to take action.

YMCA Peace Medallions were also presented this year to local chartered accountant Chuck Lilly for his work on the boards of local organizations, as well as to a group of Cambrian College students and staff who travelled to Cambodia last year to assemble and distribute bicycles.

The awards are handed out in partnership with the Rotary Club of Sudbury and the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers.

“I think it's outstanding that we're starting to see the impact that these individuals are making on our community, both globally and nationally,” said YMCA Sudbury CEO Kim Kanmacher.

Cambrian director of business development Darlene Palmer, who organized the humanitarian trip to Cambodia, said she undertook the venture because it was just the right think to do.

She said she was surprised to learn her group had won an award.

“When you're recognized by your community, it's very humbling,” Palmer said.

Justin Ceskauskas, a recent Cambrian physical fitness and leisure management graduate who participated in the trip, said it was one of the best experiences of his life.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you never forget,” he said.