City teen named ‘miracle maker’
Published: March 2, 2006
While local teen Michael Kuijpers doesn’t consider himself a miracle maker, there are certainly others who do.
CIBC World Markets Children’s Miracle Foundation has recently named the 17-year-old St. Thomas resident a “young miracle maker” for his contributions to children in the community.
Kuijpers is one of five young Canadians honoured with the award this year.
“I was surprised,” said Kuijpers. “I never expected that something this big would happen to me. I feel very honoured.”
Kuijpers was chosen for the award because of his hard work and dedication to several organizations including the Easter Seal Society, SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere), Violence Everywhere, Ability Connections and Crime Stoppers.
“We received many excellent nominations, but the five youth chosen really stood out from the crowd,” said Susan Storey, managing director of CIBC World Markets Children’s Miracle Foundation. “Our winners have displayed outstanding caring, spirit and dedication. Each youth has had a tremendous impact and improved the health and well-being of other children within the community.”
Recipients of the award receive a $500 Canada Savings Bond and a $2,500 donation in their name to the Canadian children’s charity of their choice.
Kuijpers said he’s thinking of giving the donation to the Easter Seal Society’s Leaders of Tomorrow program or to the Children’s Make A Wish Foundation because his wish to go to Disney World and swim with the dolphins was granted by the organization a few years ago.
Kuijpers’ mother, Carla, an elementary school teacher, agrees with CIBC that her son is a miracle maker.
Despite a physical disability (polyperipheral neuropathy, which causes muscular atrophy in limbs), Kuijpers devotes much of his time speaking to youth about tough issues such as physical disability and bullying. According to his mother, he takes the time to speak up for others who are unable to speak up for themselves. “I definitely think he’s a miracle maker,” she said.
Kuijpers, however, isn’t so sure.
“Not yet … I’m only getting started, I’m still very young. I’m taking calculus, now that’s a miracle,” he said, with a laugh.
The Young Miracle Maker Awards program was initiated in 2004 in celebration of CIBC World Markets’ 20th anniversary of its Miracle Day. Sales and trading staff donate their fees and commissions to benefit children’s charities on Miracle Day and since 1984 the day has helped raise more than $168 million for charity.
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