BE LIKE THOR
For most children, one of the best parts of turning another year older is tearing open the wrapping paper to uncover presents selected specifically for them. However, for Thor Snidal, turning one year older provided him with the opportunity to spread some generosity and make a difference to Manitoba Theatre for Young People.
For Thor’s 7th birthday he made the decision to ask his party guests, friends and family to make a donation to MTYP instead of giving gifts. “My mom gave me the idea before my birthday and it was easy for me to say yes,” says the young philanthropist. He knew he’d still receive gifts from friends and family, but thought this would be a great way to support his love of MTYP.
“The process was easy because I was able to direct friends and family to donate to MTYP through Canadahelps,” says Tracy, Thor’s mom. Canadahelps is an online site that accepts donations on behalf of charities and issues tax receipts immediately by email. Canadahelps also notifies MTYP of these donations when they occur.
When I asked Thor and his mom, Tracy, about some of their favourite memories at MTYP both their eyes lit up and they talked excitedly about their experiences. Thor has been attending plays at the mainstage since about age three and while he did attend Theatre School classes at one point, he enjoys the plays a lot more.
“My favourite plays last season were Circus Incognitus and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” said Thor. Circus Incognitus was a fun way for MTYP to kick off the season and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was a favourite for many children who saw the play at the Mainstage or on the MTYP tour to schools across Manitoba.
This coming season, Thor won’t have to wait long before attending the show he’s most excited to see. He said he’s already read the book Comet in Moominland, which his mom bought when she found out it would be the first play of the season. Tracy saw Comet in Moominland with her older son the last time it was performed at MTYP and can’t wait to enjoy the experience with Thor since it’s one of her all-time favourite MTYP shows.
Thank you Thor for encouraging your friends and family to support MTYP! Your thoughtfulness made a wonderful difference.