by Sylene Argent
As part of his final year with the 3rd Essex Beavers, before he moves up to Cubs, young Essex resident, Jameson Brett, was tasked to undergo the necessary steps to earn the “North Star” badge.
In order to earn this prestigious Scouting recognition, Brett has to organize a project that will, in some way, benefit the community. And, right from the onset of the project, Brett knew exactly what he wanted to do. He is now creating care baskets for some of the residents where is great-grandmother lives, Royal Oak in Kingsville, and for some of the residents at Iler Lodge in Essex, as well.
Brett said the inspiration behind the theme of the project drew from the fact he has missed his great-grandmother over the duration of the pandemic. He last got to see her in person at Christmas in 2019. Though he has been able to pay window visits and talk to her over the phone, he misses the, “snuggles and hugs.”
Already, Brett has raised nearly $800 in cash to buy items for the care baskets. He has also been able to collect donations of supplies to make the baskets, in addition to items, such as colouring supplies, lotions, care items, games, and puzzles.
“It’s incredible,” his mother, Amy, said.
Brett intends to continue collecting donations until February 14. He will then purchase the items to finish making the care baskets.
He is looking forward to delivering the care baskets to the two local nursing homes, which he plans to do by the end of the month.
“I hope they feel happy,” Brett said of how he hopes the residents who are lucky enough to get a basket will react to the act of kindness. “It makes me feel happy,” he said of organizing the effort.
He is hoping to get as many baskets put together as possible, and, thanks to the generosity of the community, he is already on target to being able to create around 40 baskets, which will be split evenly between the two long-term care homes.
Those who would like to support the cause, can e-Transfer funds to his mom, at amybrett84@gmail.com, to forward a donation. Or, they can follow the project’s progress on social media, search “Jameson’s Northstar Project.”
So far, Brett said he was very surprised at how much he has been able to collect. He figures that is because others in the community haven’t been able to see their loved-ones, who also live in nursing homes, in a long time, too.