It’s a perfect day to get out on the water. It’s something that kids growing up in the city don’t always get to experience.
“Many of them, I often say, haven’t been to much farther than the four blocks around them,” said Donna Welicky, who escorted the young adventurers on their Bronx River voyage. “So, this has really beyond opened their eyes.”
The kids are a part of the Fresh Air Fund’s City Explorers program, which helps young people find outdoor opportunities in the five boroughs. Among other things, the organization is known for its work giving city kids a chance to spend their summers in greener spaces.
What You Need To Know
Donna Welicky has been volunteering with the Fresh Air Fund for more than a decade
She helps kids experience the great outdoors both in and outside of the city
Welicky first learned about the Fresh Air Fund when she met a participant with the organization as a child growing up on Long Island
Welicky is one of their regular volunteers. She first came across the organization as a child on Long Island, when she met a Fresh Air kid.
“My family had belonged to a country club and they were kind enough… they allowed Melvin to come as a guest and we grew to just feel like we were all kids,” Welicky said.
A lifetime later, she was searching for new outlets after she retired and was reminded of the Fresh Air Fund.
“I can think of no better purpose and more worthy purpose than to help children kind of find their direction in life. I mean, it’s kind of like what was it, the Whitney Houston song? ‘Children are our future,'” Welicky said.
The Upper East Sider now helps out with the Fresh Air Fund at least once a month, whether it be reaching out to donors or chaperoning a trip to Rocking the Boat in Hunt’s Point.
“She’s kind and she’s sweet and she just has that, like- she just makes you feel happy, said Isaac Alty, a Fresh Air kid who visited Rocking the Boat with Welicky. “Like, she doesn’t even have to try. She just does.”
“I’m just thrilled,” Welicky said while she was on the water. “Truly. I mean, we have a gorgeous day and even though this can take a little while the time everybody seems to be working together. Yes, it’s getting hot. That’s good. That means you’re working. Yay. Very good.”
She is encouraging young people to get outside and think big.
“When I lay down the sword one day that I have helped thousands of children.”
“Kids are kids and given half a chance, they will succeed.”
For helping kids across the city get fresh air and fresh experiences, Donna Welicky is our New Yorker of the Week.