Inspired by an angel
December 22, 2008 | Community News | Archive 2008
Porter Ryan Francis had a great smile.
Porter Ryan Francis' family and friends hope to inspire smiles in his memory by donating toys to United Way of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Children's Hospital.
"He seemed to know that life is too short for pity, and decided to spend his time on this earth bringing joy to others." says a website devoted to his memory. "How blessed we are to have known and loved Porter."
To honour his joyous spirit, friends and family have established Porter's Presents - and have donated approximately 700 gifts to United Way of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Children's Hospital in an effort to put smiles as wide and ready as Porter's on the faces of other young children throughout the city.
Over the past week, kids from Manitoba Housing Complexes served by Woodydell, St. Anne's and Plessis Family Resource Centres received Porter's Presents at annual holiday celebrations attended by roughly 200 residents. The centres are operated by the Family Centre of Winnipeg - a United Way agency partner.
These are generally high-risk kids from single parent-led families living in low-income situations, said Susan Tottle, Supervisor of Resource Centres for the Family Centre of Winnipeg.
The majority are women facing the challenges of raising kids on their own, she added. Some are traumatized from leaving abusive situations. Others are refugees beginning a new life in Canada.
"Money is a struggle for these parents so it's nice of people to be so generous." Tottle said.
Tottle thanked Porter's friends and family "for sharing the spirit of the holidays, and taking tragedy and making it into opportunity."
In response, Porter's website offers this message to those whose lives have been touched by the little boy's memory, including kids from United Way agency partners West Broadway Youth Outreach and Wolseley Family Place:
"Maybe his gift will bring you a smile each time you use it. Porter had a great big smile and even though there may be days when smiling feels impossible, know that tomorrow brings possibility and hope."
On behalf of the Family Centre of Winnipeg, Wolseley Family Place and West Broadway Youth Outreach, United Way would like to thank Porter and his family for helping us create opportunities for big smiles and a better life for everyone.
If you would like more information on Porter's Presents, go to http://www.porterspresents.com/.
A message to Winnipeg about United Way's campaign Janury 5, 2012
