Ten year old celebrates his birthday by helping others

Media Release, 12 October 2011

While most ten year old boys can’t wait to open the mountains of birthday presents they might receive from their friends, one young man has reminded us all about the joy of giving.

When planning his tenth birthday party, Year 5 Brookfield State School student Mitchell Lake decided to ask his friends not to bring a gift, but to bring a donation for the charity Mission Australia instead.

Mitchell said he had plenty of presents from his family, and wanted to do something to help others.

“While I have a house to live in, I know there are people with nowhere to live. So I asked the kids that I invited to my party to bring a donation instead of a present, to help people who are homeless,” Mitchell said.

Yesterday, Mitchell presented Mission Australia Queensland State Director Penny Gillespie with $534 in donations raised at his birthday party, to go towards helping people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in Queensland.

“When I heard that a young man was coming in to donate his birthday money I was very impressed,” Ms Gillespie said.

“But I couldn’t believe it when I heard his story, and he presented us with more than $500 for people in need.

“Mitchell is obviously a very special and generous young man.

“The funds he raised will go towards people in our community who are struggling with homelessness, to help provide them with the support they need to improve their lives for the future.

“Mitchell’s selflessness and compassion are inspiring. His significant contribution will help make a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged Queenslanders – something he can be very proud of.”

Ms Gillespie presented Mitchell with a Certificate of Appreciation for his generous contribution.

But when asked to pose for a photo, Mitchell said “why is this worth a photo and a story? Isn’t this what lots of people do?”

Incredibly, he seemed shocked to hear that in fact what he was doing was very special and that not everyone was as generous as him.

Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 3394 8114