Ann and Paul Robson
Ann and Paul Robson
Healing by Helping: Continuing Beckett’s Legacy of Kindness
“Beckett was an incredible kid – kind, respectful, smart, and so funny. He was a natural-born teacher and really enjoyed working with kids. He had a great future ahead of him.”
That’s Ann Robson, Beckett Smith’s mom. Beckett was a technology whiz, a kid who built his first computer at age 11. He was captain of his school’s robotics team and volunteered with a junior robotics team and a computer camp for kids. He was an animal lover who once rescued a llama that had run away from a petting zoo. He ordered 50 rubber ducks online, telling his parents, “They were only a buck, and I’ll find something funny to do with them!”
He didn’t get the chance. Beckett died by suicide in 2018 at the age of 17. Ann and her husband Paul Robson were determined to keep Beckett’s spirit and his untapped potential alive. At first, they thought of a scholarship in his name. “But we didn’t want to just remember Beckett once a year,” says Paul. “He was so giving every day. His journey was cut short, so The Beckett Project is our way to continue it.”
Ann, Paul and their friends and family got to work raising funds for The Beckett Project holding fun special events in pre-pandemic days including an improv night at Aeolian Hall. When COVID-19 arrived, they pivoted to home delivery boxes such as Valentine’s Day charcuterie boards. Through the proceeds raised from these events, they carefully chose to support charities with a focus on mental health.
Along the way they connected with London Community Foundation. “That was a godsend,” says Ann. “LCF gave us direction, support and credibility. Our fund is pretty small compared to some, but they never made us feel that way.” Starting with a flow-through fund, Ann and Paul decided to create a permanent endowment fund to provide greater long-term impact.
Two recent grants had special meaning for Ann and Paul. One supported National Service Dogs (NSD), an organization that trains dogs to support people on the autism spectrum and living with PTSD. Ann understands firsthand the therapeutic value of dogs: she adopted a puppy a month after Beckett’s death. “She saved me,” Ann says.
Another grant went to Pflag, an organization that supports the LGBTQ2S+ community in London. “We’re a very tolerant and empathetic family,” explains Paul. “We want to champion tolerance, and this seemed like a good place to start.”
Ann and Paul hope The Beckett Project can resume in-person activities in 2022. Ann would like to do something fun involving rubber ducks, which have become the Project’s mascots. One thing is certain: they will continue to honour Beckett’s precious life through kindness and empathy. “When I do something nice for people, in the back of mind I know it’s because Beckett is inspiring me,” says Paul.
