At 15, Felix Townsin sees himself walking into adulthood and wants to ensure other young people’s fresh-eyed ideas come to fruition as his did.
The Esquimalt teen first embarked on philanthropy a decade ago, writing the book Don't Floss Your Toes at age 5 as a fundraiser for Blau syndrome (early onset sarcoidosis) and juvenile arthritis.
Ten years later – with myriad ideas, actions and inspirations in between – he celebrates the official status of the 1 Million Acts of Love Foundation.
Felix had the idea to write a book at five, and did. But dad was a publisher, not all kids have that kind of backstop, the Royal Bay Secondary student explained.
“I was lucky enough to have the resources,” he said. “That isn’t the case for most children. I just wanted to give them that option to have that.”
Now Felix – with the help of his parents Troy and Cheryl-Lynn as well as a team yet to be put in place – have the ability to levy those opportunities for other young people. “Even if you have the money and the idea, it’s hard to know where to start sometimes.”
Felix’s ideas are primarily rooted in love, grief and finding a meaningful way forward after losing his sister at 9. Lexi, who lived with the rare genetic disorder Blau syndrome, died only weeks before what would have been her seventh birthday, Dec. 16, 2019.
“She just had this energy that would light up the room,” Felix recalled. “She had this way of convincing you to do anything.”
For example, on what most might consider the most awkward of days, the first day of school, Lexi came home friends with the entire class – knowing all their names on day one.
“She was so proud of Felix,” Cheryl-Lynn interjected. Lexi loved his book, loved him, and thought he was the sun and the moon.
“She knew kids could do anything,” mom added, looking at Felix – after all that’s who Lexi looked to.
Felix’s book was just a beginning. The trio has the goods to lead, with a litany of projects under their belt, and skillsets at hand.
Cheryl-Lynn and Troy launched the Cure Blau Syndrome Foundation in 2018. Felix created the documentary Me, my sister and Blau alongside his mother, released Dec. 16, 2019.
A million acts of love started as a campaign to spread love through Lexi’s name. It was the latest endeavour started nearly two years ago, to document 100 acts “so the world could feel her pure unstoppable love.”
Last year, the challenge shifted to a campaign to hit one million, and far exceeded its target by what would have been Lexi’s 12th birthday.
The grant application process is already open, with deadline and delivery dates lining up with key moments for the family – the day Lexi was born and the day she died. Applications close Oct. 19, then the team will review and select recipients, announcing on Dec 16, Lexi’s birthday.
The foundation also offers the opportunity to provide leadership and mentorship. As an ideas guy himself, Felix knows action and concrete plans are critical. “Even if you have the money and the idea, it’s hard to know where to start sometimes,” he said.
Even before official status, the Townsins and crew have already made some dreams come to fruition, pairing sponsorship partners with kids fostering brilliant ideas. It’s another realm they hope to continue.
“I think she would love to see us putting the spotlight on others,” Felix said, adding kids have far more imagination than adults. Felix is excited at the prospect of supporting those “fresh ideas and fresh eyes” with time, talent and funding. It’s one reason he’s planning now, with the crack of the voice, and already towering over mom while quietly catching up to dad.
And this latest idea puts him in good stead to support kids well into his adulthood.
“1 Million Acts of Love is never going to end,” Felix said. “It’s obviously gotten bigger, and I can only imagine how far it can go after this.”
Change-maker grants are available to youth aged six to 18 with a clear idea for a charity or social project. Find applications at lexislegacy.com.
