- Assisting Your Life to Achieve helped thousands of Australians
- The founder of the charity had no life or funeral insurance.
A beloved boss of a charity that has supported thousands of vulnerable Australians has died unexpectedly, prompting an outpouring of tributes.
Scott Johnson, the founder of Perth-based Assisting Your Life to Achieve (AYLA Inc.), died on September 9 aged just 40.
The father of two founded the charity with his husband Dave 10 years ago in the hope of helping disadvantaged members of the community.
Aid came in many forms, from emergency aid, school parcels, support for victims of domestic violence, fitness and mental health programmes, to art therapy groups, jobs for the disabled and counselling.
Among the thousands of Australians who received support were also prisoners reintegrating into the community, homeless people, people with learning difficulties, the LGBTQIA+ community and troubled young people.
The charity also opened a hostel for LGBTQI teenagers and a one-stop shop open seven days a week that included a thrift store, a café, a sewing and craft room, a hair salon and provided emergency help.
Mr Johnson’s sudden death has rocked the local community.
A week after his death, AYLA Inc remains closed until further notice.
Assisting Your Life to Achieve founder Scott Johnson (left) died unexpectedly on September 9
The father of two (left) had no life or funeral insurance when he died.
“I am in shock at this terrible news. Scott and Dave were so helpful to my daughter when we first moved to Perth,” one woman wrote.
“They gave her a purpose and were kind, welcoming and always willing to help at a time when I was struggling to find that for my daughter. That gave me a lot of comfort as a worried mother.”
As of July 2022, AYLA Inc. has assisted more than 15,000 families with emergency food, clothing, and furniture worth more than $1.1 million.
Rebecca Roach, one of Johnson’s closest friends for nearly three decades, created a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs and spearheaded the outpouring of tributes.
Unfortunately, Mr. Johnson had no life or funeral insurance or substantial funds in his account when he died.
“This man gave so much because he knew all too well what it felt like to be the black sheep, the outcast, to be abandoned and hurt by those who should have only given him love,” Roach wrote.
The shocking death of charity founder Scott Johnson (second from right) has rocked the local community.
‘Many hearts bleed from his loss, this world is a much darker place without his presence!
‘His family, who are grieving his loss, are also struggling with the financial burden and strain of paying for a funeral.’
‘Let’s help the family give Scott Johnson, a man who dedicated his short life to helping others, the proper send-off he deserves!
The fundraiser has raised $18,000 in just a few days.
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