Townsville teen Ethan Cavanagh’s mission to help the homeless on his birthday

Since he was 10, Ethan Cavanagh has spent every birthday giving back. Now turning 17, he’s assembling ‘Bags of Kindness’ packed with hygiene essentials for the homeless. Here’s how you can help.

Townsville teen Ethan Cavanagh, 17, has spent every birthday since he was 10 supporting charities. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville teen Ethan Cavanagh has spent every birthday since he was 10 supporting local charities.

 

Now, as he turns 17, Ethan is embarking on his latest project: creating 50 “Bags of Kindness” filled with hygiene essentials for the homeless, which will be donated to Althea Projects, a non-profit that has supported vulnerable individuals and families in Townsville for 50 years.

Ethan’s goal is to provide comfort and dignity to those in need by assembling bags filled with toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other basic essentials.

“I just want to help make sure others have the same basic comforts and dignity that I’m fortunate enough to have in my own life,” Ethan said.

“I’m blessed to live in a nice house, so my living conditions are good — I just want to help other people have that.”

For the last seven years, Ethan has used his birthday to give back, organising donation drives for Ronald McDonald House.

In honour of Althea Projects’ 50th anniversary this year, he shifted his focus to help the organisation support Townsville’s homeless community.

FLASHBACK: Ethan Cavanagh at 10 years old collecting donations for Ronald McDonald House. Picture: Evan Morgan

While Ethan celebrated his 17th birthday on Sunday, he still has a few more days to collect donations before delivering the bags to Althea Projects on September 25.

“The hygiene items are so important,” Ethan explained.

“While places like Althea have facilities like showers, items like shampoo, deodorant, and basic cleaning supplies can make a real difference for someone living on the streets, helping them maintain their dignity.”

FLASHBACK: Ethan Cavanagh at age 12 collecting and donating birthday presents for charities in Townsville.

His campaign has already gained traction, with support from his GoFundMe page and donations from local businesses.

He expressed his gratitude for contributions like the 50 household-sized rubbish bags donated by Thrifties, which will go in the bags, helping to hold people’s belongings and reduce litter.

To support Ethan’s mission, you can donate through his GoFundMe page.

Originally published as Townsville teen Ethan Cavanagh’s mission to help the homeless on his birthday