By Neil Corbett, Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows News
For the first time, the Maple Ridge Community Foundation held a Citizen of the Year Youth Award presentation, on Saturday at Thomas Haney secondary.
The winner was Ryder Moore, who was recognized for his Ryder’s Rainboots initiative.
Just eight years old, he was nominated by nine local residents. Two years ago, when he was six, Ryder began a unique fundraising program with his parents, after seeing a man without boots. He fundraises and works with generous manufacturers to prepare rain kits for those less fortunate. His kits include rain boots, socks, gloves, a poncho and a handwritten letter by Ryder.
He has a gofundme page to help support his charity work, and so far has $850 of his $5,000 goal this year. He has raised over $10,000 over the first two years of his campaign.
As the winner, Ryder got the opportunity to direct a $750 donation to the local charity of his choice, and he immediately chose the Salvation Army.
Monica Hampu the president of the Maple Ridge Community Foundation, said her group has done a Citizen of the Year award every year for the past 27, but it has generally recognized people with impressive lifetime service.