Vincent Pettinicchio and Matthew Cirocco were among those recognised at the inaugural Kids Who Give WA awards ceremony at Government House on October 24.
The pair received awards in the best individual projects category, in recognition of their efforts during the year to assist the less fortunate.
Vincent’s ‘Project for the Homeless’ was first reported in The Record in April, before other media outlets including The West Australian gave the eight-year-old’s initiative some more publicity.
He generated enough donations to compile almost 200 packs of essentials, which were distributed to the homeless people of Perth.
Matthew’s project, which also featured in The Record, raised more than $2,000 for a Franciscan-run orphanage in Bali.
More than $50,000 worth of prize money was distributed to the award winners, with both Vincent and Matthew taking home $250.
Forty-six schools received awards at the ceremony for a variety of projects, including several Catholic schools.
The efforts of Aquinas College, Dawesville Catholic Primary, Holy Rosary Primary, Holy Spirit Catholic Primary, Immaculate Heart College, Whitford Catholic Primary and Mel Maria Catholic Primary were all recognised.
Master of ceremonies for the day Tod Johnston told those present he was inspired by the generosity of all the children involved in the program.
“One of the things about the Kids Who Give program is seeing a ripple or snowball effect,” he said.
“The example that all the children have set today will be followed by others in the community.”
Matthew, who attends St Luke’s Catholic Primary School in Woodvale, said he was pleasantly surprised to win an award and was looking forward to visiting the Bali orphanage again in January.
The 11-year-old had no hesitation when asked what he would be doing with his prize money.
“We’re definitely going to give it to the orphanage,” he said.
Event host Tonya McCusker said those involved in the projects were outstanding young people.
“When you get children when they’re very small, and you fill them up with forms of compassion and kindness, they will grow up and we will have a generation of more caring, giving people,” she said.
“And at just [eight] years old, Vincent is definitely an example of this… what an outstanding young man.”
Vincent’s mum Pina said her son would continue his project next year. “He wants to continue with his project, but this time try to involve as many schools as possible, Catholic and non-Catholic,” she said.
Kids Who Give WA was launched in February with the aim of encouraging and recognising the acts of care and kindness of children under the age of 12.