News Release

Service Project Becomes ‘An Experience of a Lifetime’

Critical medical supplies worth approximately $250,000 (US) have recently been sent to Tonga, and will soon reach hospitals and people who live in remote areas where there are great needs. At a send-off celebration, Lord Siosaia M. Tuita, Consul General of Tonga in San Francisco, was present and paid tribute to 17-year-old Taylor Butterfield, whose vision made this donation possible.

Many lives will be blessed because of the hard work and determination of one young man living on the other side of the world, who turned a service project into 'an experience of a lifetime.'

It began when Taylor, a member of Boy Scouts of America, set out to complete a humanitarian service project in order to earn a scouting award. He wanted to help people in a meaningful way, but he had no idea of the impact his efforts would ultimately have on others and himself.

After hearing about the serious need for medical supplies in Tonga and other Pacific Islands, Taylor knew he had found his project. He began soliciting donations, but soon wondered if he would be able to make a difference. "At first this project seemed overwhelming and just too big for me," Taylor said, "but I knew if I wanted it bad enough, I had to just work a little harder and get some help from others."

And that is exactly what he did. With faith, tenacity and the help of his family, Taylor was able to raise between $250,000 and $500,000 (US) worth of medical supplies from organizations in the United States. He then recruited and supervised volunteers who helped sort and pack 1000 boxes in preparation for shipping to Tonga.

Chuck Haupt, representing MedShare, a nonprofit organization that collaborated on the project, praised Taylor's work. "We are inspired by your willingness to take on such a monumental undertaking" he said. "Please know that your efforts will truly make a difference in the lives of many people throughout the Kingdom of Tonga."

As a highlight of the project, Taylor and his family were able to travel to Tonga to meet some of the many people who will benefit from his efforts. Taylor reports, "I just arrived home from Tonga last night and had an experience of a lifetime. I feel so fortunate to be able to help out the people of Tonga." He continues, "they have hearts of gold and are some of the nicest people I've ever met. This project will give them the medical treatment they need and deserve."

With his part of the project complete, Taylor reflects on his experiences and what he has learned. He says that initially his goal was to receive an award, but once he started, his focus changed to how he could help other people. He soon realized, "that the more you help others, the more God will help you. It was a win-win, I would get my Eagle, (the award), and God would help me so that everything would work out." Taylor says that his involvement in the project has strengthened his belief in a loving God and in Jesus Christ who teaches us to love and serve one another.

Taylor is a member of a BSA troop sponsored by the Loomis 3rd Ward (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sacramento, California.

 

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