You would be forgiven for thinking Cyrus and Kris Dahl's (Waikato Tainui) home was a new offshoot of Weta Workshop. With a makeshift green screen fashioned from heavy cotton, camera at the ready and photo editing software projected onto a large TV screen in the media room, the home is a hubbub of creative energy.

Cyrus’ mother, Kris, says, "Cyrus has always thought outside of the box. He wanted to set up a green screen – so that's what he did. I've always taught him to go for things, never give up in the face of challenges, question the norm if he feels something is wrong and stand up for himself."

2020 Wellingtonian of the Year winners (from left to right). Back Row: Chris Parkin (Winner, Major Philanthropist Award), Margaret and Mike Olsen (Joint Winners, Nikau Community Award), Alice Montague (Nikau Foundation Executive Director). Front Row… — 2020 Wellingtonian of the Year winners (from left to right). Back Row: Chris Parkin (Winner, Major Philanthropist Award), Margaret and Mike Olsen (Joint Winners, Nikau Community Award), Alice Montague (Nikau Foundation Executive Director). Front Row: Cyrus Dahl (Winner, Youth Philanthropist Award). Image Credit: Dominion Post

It was with this same attitude that Cyrus, 13, commanded change in response to the lack of accessible swings at public recreational facilities. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Cyrus cannot sit unassisted, which means that enjoying a traditional swing is not possible. Instead, bucket swings, which can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, and provide additional back support, are a preferable option.

"Play should be for everyone," says Cyrus, "it was really unfair that so many people miss out so I wanted to do something about it."

And do something he did. First approaching the local Council for support, Cyrus then took things into his own hands, distributing flyers and setting up a Givealittle page with an initial goal of crowdfunding two bucket swings for his local park. "I didn't want to mess around with a sausage sizzle, I wanted to go for the big money so I could make a real difference", says Cyrus.

Knowing that he would need the help of many generous donors to reach his initial fundraising goal of $25,000, he emailed Breakfast TV to request a feature. Within a week, Cyrus and Kris were on air. And, within 30-minutes of their feature airing, they had surpassed their target; $30,000 raised, and counting.

An expanded mission

Their fundraising total still rising, Cyrus has now secured sufficient funding to purchase swings for his local park, as well as for the Newlands, Ngaio and Island Bay playground upgrades. Recognising that the challenges facing physically disabled people are not limited to just recreational spaces, Cyrus has also met Children's Commissioner, Justice Andrew Becroft, and is a huge supporter of his work lobbying for accessible state and community housing.

Philanthropy Award Winner

As the sponsor of the Wellington region's philanthropy award, we were delighted to name Cyrus as the 2020 Youth Award recipient. Nikau Foundation Executive Director, Alice Montague says, "It's hard not to feel inspired by Cyrus. Embodying perseverance and a tenacious commitment to make a long-lasting change, his work provides a formidable example to his peers."

With installation planned for mid-year, the swings will be accompanied by a plaque; a tangible testament to Cyrus' formidable willpower.

To find out more about Cyrus’ journey or to donate via his Givealittle page, click here.

To view Cyrus’ Breakfast TV feature, click here.