Aaron Joy will be heading to Costa Rica in October on an expedition which will see him ‘pay it forward’ as he helps to ‘Improve access to education in indigenous communities and support young people to develop the tools to prosper in later life’.
Aaron referred to Rotherham charity Rush House in August 2020 after becoming estranged from his family and was offered accommodation in Rush’s core project. Aaron was attending Rotherham College studying Level 3 Games Animation.
He was very quiet and generally kept himself to himself, mostly studying in the evenings. Once familiar with the staff and other residents, however, he really came out of his shell.
Aaron engaged so much with the activities that Rush had to offer and kept his accommodation immaculate and was genuinely a lovely young man to have at Rush. He received an Award for Academic Excellence in 2021 for his amazing work at college.
In August 2021 Aaron passed all his college exams with flying colours and was accepted to Sheffield Hallam University.
He waved goodbye to Rush and moved to student accommodation in Sheffield. Staff Luke and Steve supported Aaron to move and were like two proud parents, sniffling and waving him off.
Aaron has remained in contact with Rush with updates on how well he is doing at university. He was recently lucky enough to have been selected through an award to participate in an expedition in Costa Rica this October for 10 weeks, taking part in community and environmental projects with Raleigh International.
Rush is trying to support Aaron’s GoFundMe request to ensure that he is able to achieve this life-changing experience. Below, Aaron describes the expedition and his requirements.
“Hi, my name is Aaron and I’ve been given an amazing life-changing opportunity to take part in an expedition to Costa Rica through the SES Raleigh Explorer Award this October. I will be taking part in Community and Environmental Projects over 10 weeks which will be aiming to ‘improve access to education in indigenous communities and support young people to develop the tools to prosper in later life’.
“I’m starting a GoFundMe to help cover costs towards crucial kit, vaccinations and other expenses that are required before travel. I have been very fortunate to have been given this opportunity after finishing University this June, but it means I’m in a position where funding kit, vaccines and living expenses are difficult. This is made extra difficult by being estranged so any support is greatly appreciated.
“I have already self-funded a lot of my own kit and I am also currently looking for part time work to help fund items.
“Any support such as donating or sharing this page is greatly appreciated and will help me a lot. The kit list below is where donations will be spent as well as support with other costs that are required for me to be able to take part in the expedition.”
Visit Aaron’s GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/f/community-environment-volunteering-in-costa-rica or find out more about his expedition: www.raleighinternational.org/expeditions/costa-rica.