TORONTO, Ont. — Stephen Hooper says being recognized on a national level was an “out-of-body experience.”
Hooper, 27, originally from Chance Cove and now living in St. John’s, received a national award last month from Kids Help Phone for his contributions to the organization.
“I was very overwhelmed,” laughed Hooper in an interview with The Packet.
The presentation was made at the Globe and Mail Centre in downtown Toronto on May 27, also the site of the 30th annual general meeting and awards for Kids Help Phone.
It marked the first time someone from Newfoundland and Labrador received this national recognition from Kids Help Phone.
As a model and social influence, Hooper says his work with the organization is very important to him.
“Ever since I was younger, I always wanted to work with Kids Help Phone.”
Hooper says he attends many events and uses social media platforms to connect with young people, while educating and encouraging those in need to contact Kids Help Phone.
He says he wants to let kids know they’re never alone, wherever they are. Whether in isolated communities with few community resources, or larger centres, Kids Help Phone is there.
“I remember the first article that I did with The Packet, I had someone from Clarenville message me,” he remembers.
Hooper says the individual was glad to find out more about Kids Help Phone and even messaged him back months later and thanked him for letting him know about the organization.
“There’s always somewhere to go if you need it.”
Now, Kids Help Phone even has texting services – which may be a more accessible way for young people to talk to counsellors.
Hooper thanked everyone with Kids Help Phone, but specifically named Emily Cardwell, the provincial manager, who he says does so much for young people in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“I just want children to know that they aren’t alone, and their wishes and dreams are valid and heard.”
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