Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - A 12-year-old Middlesex County boy truly embodied the spirit of giving over the holiday season, helping to raise $350 and 125 lbs. of food for the Ailsa Craig Foodbank. “My husband and I are very proud of Wesley. He has always had a really kind heart we are lucky to be his parents,” says Shannon Lupa-Waite of her son Wesley, who sold holiday branches from a stand on Fernhill Dr. to support the foodbank.
“I like to help others, it feels good to help others,” says Wesley whose charitable efforts have become a yearly tradition. As why he chose to support the foodbank: “To give back to the community where we live,” says Shannon.
Pine and cedar branches were sold to customers at the stand, which was open in the weeks leading up to Christmas. And the support shown by the community was not just in terms of cash sales and food bank contributions. “He has received a lot of positive comments on social media and support from the local communities around us,” says Shannon.
Wesley is a student at St. Patrick’s elementary school. “In his spare time, he enjoys playing hockey, hanging out with his friends, farming and working on his dirt bikes,” says Shannon.
Although the next holiday season is a long way off, expect to see Wesley continue his tradition of giving. “He is very dedicated to his branch stand and will continue to do it every year,” says Shannon.
