A new mural has been unveiled in memory of a “minion-mad” five-year-old whose love of the yellow characters inspired an island-wide day of remembrance and fundraising last week.
Created by Graeme Fitchett and children in his Saturday Graffiti Club, the artwork was revealed at Centrepoint as Islanders and businesses dressed in blue and yellow for “Kason’s Day” on Friday 17 October to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of Kason Le Flahec.
Kason, who was autistic and non-verbal, attended Mont à Labbé School, and also went to Centrepoint during the school holidays.
“Some of the children asked if we could do something special in memory of Kason, and they came up with the idea to spray paint a picture of a Minion – as that was his favourite,” Mr Fitchett, who is Centrepoint’s head of playcare and complex needs, said.
“It was a lovely and heartfelt way for them to honour him, and they took great pride in creating it together.”
The proceeds raised on “Kason’s Day”, which topped more than £4,000, were shared between three causes: Centrepoint Trust, Mont à l’Abbé School and Autism Jersey.
“They all hold a special meaning in Kason’s life and have been ever so kind and supportive to me, Jakob and my family in the most hardest year of our life,” Kason’s mother, Elliee, explained.
Elliee added that she was “amazed” at the new mural and said: “This is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. My son would be so happy with this as he was Minion-mad.”
Mont à l’Abbé and Samarès School also got involved in the fundraising initiative.
Mont à l’Abbé teacher Katerina Byrne described Kason as “a truly remarkable little boy, who in his short time with us brought boundless joy, laughter, and love to everyone around him”. She added: “His memory continues to shine brightly in our hearts.”
Samarès teacher Laura Moll taught Kason in 2022 for his nursery year and described him as “a joy to have and a very popular member of the class”. She added: “His curiosity, smile and laughter is something that we remember so fondly.”
Reflecting on the success of the day, Elliee Le Flahec said: “Companies, schools, friends, family, strangers got so involved for my gorgeous boy; it really was one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way, such as making donations big or small, wearing blue and yellow, sharing posts, putting up posters, baking cakes, donated raffle prizes – anything you have done to contribute.
“The 17th of October will always be ‘Kason’s Day’ and I can’t wait to do this again next year. As long as I have breath in me, my baby’s memory will always be kept alive. I hope you will all join me again in the future.”
Islanders can continue donating to the Kason’s Day fundraiser HERE.
GALLERY…
