A beloved charity boss who has supported thousands of vulnerable Aussies has died unexpectedly, sparking an outpouring of tributes.
Scott Johnson, the Perth-based founder of Assisting Your Life to Achieve (AYLA Inc.), died on September 9 aged just 40.
The father-of-two established the charity with his husband Dave 10 years ago in the hope of helping disadvantaged members in the community with a simple vision of ‘changing minds, changing lives’
Help was handed out in many forms, from emergency relief, school packs, domestic violence support, fitness and mental health programs to art therapy groups, jobs to the disabled and counselling.
Prisoners transitioning back into the community, the homeless, those with learning complexities, the LGBTQIA+ community and troubled youths were also among the thousands of Aussies who received support.
The charity also opened an adolescent LBGTQI hostel accommodation and a one stop shop open seven days a week which included an op shop, cafe, sewing and craft room, hair salon and provided emergency relief.
Mr Johnson’s sudden passing has rocked the local community.
One week on from 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’m in shock at this terrible news. Scott and Dave helped my daughter so much when we first moved to Perth,’ one woman wrote.
‘They gave her a purpose at 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 so much comfort as a worried mum.’
Another supporter wrote: ‘We have been so grateful to have this beautiful place and we hope it remains open and Scott’s legacy lives on in it.
‘There are so few places where people who are “different” can go and be themselves, without judgement.
As of July 2022, AYLA Inc had helped more than 15,000 families with emergency food, clothing, and furniture relief amounting to over $1.1million.
One of Mr Johnson’s closest friends of almost three decades Rebecca Roach has set up a GoFundMe to assist with funeral costs and led the outpouring of heartfelt tributes.
Sadly, Mr Johnson had no funeral or life insurance or substantial funds in his account when he died.
Many friends and family, including his husband, need to fly from either overseas or interstate to Perth for the funeral.
‘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 that should only ever have given him love,’ Ms Roach wrote.
The shock death of charity founder Scott Johnson (second right) has rocked the local community
‘Many hearts bleed for his loss, this world is a much darker place without his presence!
‘I ask that in grief he is remembered for the remarkable person he is, remember the literally thousands of people he helped and the wonderful soul we were fortunate to have in our lives.
‘His family whom are left grieving his loss are also having difficulty 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 more than $20,000 within several days.
‘It’s both heart wrenching and joyous knowing Scott touched so many and now people are giving back I wish he was here to see it,’ Ms Roach wrote in an update.
Lifeline: 13 11 14, Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
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