11-year-old gives up birthday presents, helps send a kid to camp
Eric Thompson (centre) with McMaster's Matt Edmonds (left) and Rebecca Babcock. Thompson toured the University's athletics facilities April 10 after donating the $500 he received for his birthday to the McMaster Athletes Care's Kids to Camp campaign. The gift will help send a youth to McMaster's summer sports camp.
Most kids can think of dozens of ways to spend their birthday money. But Eric Thompson isn’t like most kids.
Each year, the 11-year-old from Caledonia, Ont. collects cash on his birthday. But instead of hitting the mall, Eric gives the money away.
This year, Eric’s birthday money – which totalled $500 – will help a fellow youth who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend McMaster’s summer camp.
“I thought I should do it,” said Eric, who plays hockey and soccer and has summer camp experiences of his own. “I’m a sports person so I like to give an opportunity to learn sports.”
Eric first displayed his altruism in 2010 when, after learning about the devastating earthquake that had shaken Haiti, offered what money he had to his mother, Laura, who was working in support of relief efforts.
Touched by the gesture, Laura suggested he use his birthday as a means of collecting money from friends. That started a new family tradition that has grown to include Eric’s two sisters.
Eric and his parents visited campus last week to drop off the donation for the Kids to Camp campaign and tour the University’s athletics and recreation facilities. The youth gave a resounding “Yes!” when asked if he might like to come back and experience a summer camp first-hand.
“He’s always been a generous kid,” said his father, Ryan, who encourages his son to make his donations personally to see what he is supporting, rather than just having mom or dad mail a cheque. “We are very proud of our children – that they do this for others and help out as much as they can.”
After meeting the Thompsons and serving as their campus tour guide, Rebecca Babcock said she couldn’t help but be impressed that someone so young could be so selfless.
“Eric is a remarkable role model for all of us,” said Babcock, the community contact for Kids to Camp. “It’s incredible to meet a young person with such passion and commitment to helping others. His gift will have an incredible impact and allow a child in Hamilton to play and learn in a safe and fun space. I can’t put into words how much we appreciate his thoughtfulness and generosity.”
