For the past eight years Abbotsford youth Mia Skoone has donated all the money she receives for her birthday to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital pediatric unit – now she’s asking the community for a little something back.
Skoone, who recently celebrated her 16th birthday, has been invited to represent Canada at the Change the World Model United Nations conference next May in New York City.
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At that event she will have the opportunity to debate and discuss global affairs with other youth from all across the globe.
She noted that past editions of the event have seen guest speakers such as former U.S. President Bill Clinton and U.S. congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“It’s a really great place for youth to come and connect with people from all around the world,” she said. “It’s a good place to start if you’re trying to get into political science or international affairs to begin to make those connections. I’ve always been interested in government and that’s why I’m really hoping to attend.”
Skoone said she is hoping to raise $3,000 to help her get to the event, noting that she is looking for local businesses to sponsor her journey. She said she is choosing to go this route rather than a GoFundMe because if the event gets canceled to the COVID-19 pandemic it will be easier to refund a business rather than many individuals.
The Abbotsford Senior Secondary School student made headlines earlier this year after launching an Instagam account to help teens find and access important material related to mental health. She was also a part of the Youth Ambassadors Program with Canada last year and is an ambassador with Foundry Abbotsford. Last month she won the Alan and Vivian Trethewey Youth Philanthropy Award.
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Those interested in aiding Skoone with the costs associated with the trip can contact her via e-mail at miaskoone@gmail.com.
