A Santa Clarita Valley International (SCVi) student, Connor Raskin, received the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award by the Association of Fundraising Executives, San Fernando Valley Chapter, officials said Wednesday.
At a luncheon held to commemorate National Philanthropy Day on Tuesday at California State University, Northridge, awards were given to a number of leaders who have shown outstanding support of a charitable effort during the past year, according to SCVi officials.
Raskin was chosen because of his commitment to a number of activities at SCVi, a tuition-free public charter school in Santa Clarita, but most notably because of his role in the founding, launching and implementation of “Backpacks Full of Hope.”
The initiative was a proactive response by learners at the school because of their concern for the people of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria, according to officials.
“Backpacks Full of Hope” was comprised first of backpacks filled with emergency supplies for people of Puerto Rico who might be out of their homes and living without power, clean water and other essentials.
The backpacks were supplied, filled and then taken to the island by the student committee during the school’s spring break.
When students and their adult chaperones traveled to the island, they were also engaged in planting vital trees and helping to erect family shelters and community structures.
“Connor has taken a leading role throughout the process. He recruited participants, worked with the committee of peers that had been formed and was a leading advocate for the effort every step of the way,” said Lois Bauccio of the iLEAD Foundation. “SCVi is proud of Connor and his outstanding committee of youthful volunteers who have made a real difference in the lives of numerous individuals and the entire island of Puerto Rico. He represents the best in his generation. We are deeply grateful to the Association of Fundraising Professionals for recognizing the importance of volunteerism and philanthropy by our community’s youth, and for selecting Connor for this important recognition.”
Currently, two such trips have been completed, and a third trip is being planned for next spring.
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