Tyson's Dream Memorial Fundraiser

The money from this fundraiser is designed to do three things.

1) help other underprivileged youth to achieve their educational dreams

This money will be distributed to Regent park pathways to education program (upon their approval that there will be certain criteria that applicants will need to meet)

http://www.regentparkchc.org/

The goal deadline for this fundraiser would be October 2018. This will give time to begin the process of looking for eligible recipients of the bursary's.

A portion of this money will also go to Covenant house (upon their approval that there will be certain criteria that applicants will need to meet) 
https://www.covenanthousetoronto.ca/homeless-youth/Home.aspx

2) To honor my son by creating a legacy for him that he would be proud of

3) to establish a memorial place for Tyson's friends, family and anyone else who wants to be able to have a place to mourn him.Tyson was my first born and only son. He left behind myself, three sisters and at the time two nephews. Tyson is also missed by the rest of his family and life long friends. 
The cost for a memorial tree is $738.00

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/commemorative-items-in-parks/

The goal date for this amount is August 17th (Tyson's Birthday) that way we will be able to meet the deadline for a fall planting.

Tyson was tragically taken from our lives May 31st 2014.

This fundraiser's focus is on his short life. Dying at the age of 18 and yet he changed so many people for the better in his short time here. Tyson inspired me to go back to school which I did and I was able to graduate with honors because of the love and encouragement he gave me both in life and in death. I have now dedicated 100% of myself to assisting others who experience many of the same challenges Tyson did.

Tyson's dream was to go to George Brown College and study Culinary arts. When he was younger he met the famous Canadian Chef Mark McEwn and that excitement stayed with him for years.

Tyson grew up in "priority neighborhoods" where often the idea of success is a fantasy. He did not see himself being able to accomplish his goal. He often predicted that he probably wouldn't be alive to go. This is often the general climate for young black men who live in areas where they are exposed to violence and negative reinforcements.

Tyson was a good kid. He was kind to everyone and I still get complimented to this day on the high level of manners and consideration he had for others.

He was often taken advantage of because of his good nature and it still hurts me to think of that but Tyson did not see it that way. He held onto his giving nature. 
Tyson was an extremely curious soul and he educated himself on as many things as possible. His favourite past time was to hang out at the library and read about all sorts of religions, world issues and any other topic he found interesting. Education was his drive in life. Not necessarily formal education but the idea of growing, understanding and building knowledge was very powerful to him.

Tyson lived by the philosophy that if he had something that could help someone he would give it to you, if there was something he could do for someone he would do it and I try everyday to embody his ethics.

When Tyson died I promised I would do something that would symbolize the essence of who Tyson IS. I wanted to help other young men like himself who have so many challenges stacked against them and provide some opportunity that he did not have. I wanted to be able to offer the hope and possibility of pursuing their dreams.

It has taken me a few years to begin to develop this concept of how to honor him. I have had to walk through my grief in order to be able to commit to this and I know it is time to do so.

Any amount that you are able to donate is greatly appreciated. I will try to update as much as possible and provide information as required