Montclair twins Taylor and Kennedy Everson visited Kenya this summer to work with the nonprofit Free the Children (FTC). The girls, then 8. not only made lifelong memories and friends, they also helped build a secondary school.
Just a few weeks ago, Taylor and Kennedy’s 9th birthday was coming up. After their experience in Africa, they decided they didn’t want a traditional party with bows, ribbons and presents. Instead, they really wanted to raise money to send back to Africa. With the help of their local friends and family, they raised $2,650 for Free the Children. The money will be given to help Adopt a Village in Kenya. According to FTC, this is the most that has been raised at a children’s birthday party and when you think of the millions of children who don’t even know when their birthday is in Africa, this money will make a huge difference.
What’s next for these young altruists? They hope to start a chapter of Free the Children at their school, Montclair Kimberly Academy. They also hope this is only the beginning of their journey to do good things and give back–not only to their community but to the world.
See the twins above with Dr. Brian Kallechaan, a Free the Children ambassador, and British musician Ellie Goulding.
