For the second year in a row, Torrey Pines High School senior and varsity soccer player Mackenzie Brown has focused her efforts on fundraising to help children in Jamaica. Last year, the 16-year-old organized a fundraiser to support Bell Castle Primary and Infant School and spent a week volunteering in Jamaica, sharing her soccer skills with children both in the classroom and on the field.
This year, he tried a new way to raise money, leading a cleanup at Torrey Pines on Jan. 3 and helping get the stadium ready before soccer season starts this month. In this double-action fundraiser, her teammates were sponsored with donations to her cause in exchange for two hours of their time cleaning up the hillside and stadium stands, which are heavily soiled with leftover trash.
For Mackenzie, who is half Jamaican, Jamaica is a cause close to her heart through her mother, Judy. On a family trip to Jamaica last January, she felt inspired by its beauty and people. “I felt a connection to this country and wanted to learn more about it and my heritage,” McKenzie said.
She was able to stay in touch with her great-aunt Debbie, who does a lot of missionary work and advocacy work through the non-profit Nissi Care Group, to learn more about the country’s needs and how to help. Mackenzie’s school, Bell Castle, is the same school her grandmother and great-aunt attended before moving to New York City.
Last year, Mackenzie was able to raise $4,000 for Bell Castle, providing school and soccer equipment and helping with structural repairs after Hurricane Beryl. While volunteering last July, she helped teach children about health, math, English, art, and, of course, soccer.
“It was really fun. The kids really looked up to me and always held my hand,” Mackenzie said. “Last summer, I had no idea what the week was going to bring, but as soon as I left the island, I felt the need to come back because I feel like I made a difference to other people. , I would love to do it again.”
She and her brother Dustin, an eighth grader at Pacific Trails Middle School, plan to return to volunteer again this July. With the funds raised, she hopes to continue making necessary repairs at the school, provide sports equipment and school supplies, and meet the need for musical instruments this year.
To support Mackenzie’s efforts, visit gofundme.com/f/support-mckenzie-browns-mission-for-belle-castle-kids.
