One young boy in Timmins wanted to make a difference.
“Asher’s just very kind, and he’s always thinking of other people,” said Serrina Timm, Asher Leacock’s mother. “He took a little foldable table, and he set up a gumball machine and a few tokens from his closet, and he was trying to sell the gum with a little paper that says ‘donate to help homeless’ with a little container with donations.”
That led Asher and his mom to search for the right place to donate to Recovery North, and registered practical nurse Natalie Corbiere said it was a wonderful thing to see.
“At first, because we have clinics all over Ontario, I wasn’t sure it was for Timmins, but when I got the message, I was really shocked that an 8-year-old boy took the time to help,” said Timm. “In today’s world and what’s happening on the streets, we wish more people had his eyes.”
Recovery North was a natural fit for the family, as Timm works at a law firm that does a lot of legal aid work, and she knew the work they did was in line with what Asher wanted to do.
The family is often involved in community work, trying to help others where and when they need it, and Timm said it’s just in Asher’s nature to help.
“He just really wanted to raise money for the homeless,” said Timm. “It’s something he’s used to seeing. All my kids are very giving.”
Recovery North is a medical-assisted treatment clinic that helps people with any kind of addiction. They offer therapy on-site, support like clothing donations, toiletries, snacks, and open their washrooms to those in need.
“We’re a privately owned clinic, we’re not publicly funded, so our resources are minimal, so the donation has impacted us so much,” said Corbiere.
Asher’s donation of $350 funded 30 care packages for those in need. The care packages include wipes, shampoo, soap, snacks, toothpaste, and other essentials.
“That’s 30 people we can help,” said Corbiere. “Not just our clients.”
Timm said she’s sure Asher will continue to help where he can, as will the rest of the family. She said it’s a needs-based thing that happens with them when the need arises.
“It’s just something that happens when it happens,” said Timm. “Sometimes you see someone who needs it, and you do what you can.”
