February 2, 2023
Mountain Shadows Resident Carlos Ash Accepts Kiwanis “Peter Trejo Inspiration to Action” Award
by Sheryl Wilde
Carlos Ash, Mountain Shadows resident and President of the Aktion Club of North San Diego, recently accepted the Kiwanis International “Peter Trejo Inspiration to Action” award from Brad Wiscons, Lt. Governor of the CAL-NEV-HA District, Division 37.
The award recognizes the Aktion Club of North San Diego for their inspiration to all Kiwanians in Division 37. Says Brad, “We want everyone to know that our entire Division is better and more deeply inspired because of the Aktion Club of North San Diego.”
Mountain Shadows Aktion Club is a Kiwanis-sponsored program which provides adults with disabilities the opportunity to lead more active and meaningful lives through participation in community service projects. Their mission is to strengthen their community by giving back.
Sometimes there is a mindset in the community that our Mountain Shadows residents are the ones who need help, but our residents don’t see it that way at all. They want to give back to others and do good work!
“There are currently 24 Aktion Club members,” says Vickie Perdaris, Aktion Club Advisor and Mountain Shadows Activities Director. “The members lift each other up. They socialize. They serve as officers and learn about leadership and goal setting.”
A few of the community-based service projects the Aktion Club has participated in:
- Rady Children’s Hospital – creating pediatric trauma dolls, and providing pillows and blankets, for children undergoing treatment or surgery.
- Meals on Wheels projects.
- The Eliminate Project – a joint Kiwanis and UNICEF project aimed at eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus.
- Stand-Up for Kids – providing backpacks for homeless teens.
- Pennies for Pets – collecting funds for the San Diego Humane Society.
“As President of the Aktion Club, Carlos is a great leader and innovator,” says Vickie. “He likes to help people. He’s very giving.
“Aktion Club is very important to all of the members. Helping others gives them a sense of self-pride, self-worth, and self-confidence.”
“I don’t let the wheelchair stop me,” says Carlos. “Whatever I set my mind to do, I do to the best of my ability.
“I want to inspire people and put a smile on their faces, whether they’ve had a bad day or not. I believe I’ve been put on this earth to help others, not just think of myself only.”
You can help make a difference too!
With the help of committed supporters like you, Mountain Shadows can continue to provide quality services to the individuals with intellectual disabilities we support.
Mountain Shadows Foundation (MSF) is the charitable fundraising organization supporting Mountain Shadows Support Group and Mountain Shadows Ancillary Services and is dedicated to advancing their programs and services through community philanthropic support.
Mountain Shadows deeply appreciates all types of donations, including volunteer services, gift-in-kind, and monetary contributions. All Mountain Shadows organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporations, and donations may be tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Here are some ways you can help:
Make a one-time donation today.
Make a monthly or annual contribution.
To learn more about the Mountain Shadows Foundation Legacy Society, to include us in your estate plan, or to let us know if you have already designated Mountain Shadows to receive a legacy gift, please contact Mandy Huiras, Director of Development, at: mhuiras@mtnshadows.org, or visit our website by clicking here.