Updated
Today, Campbell Remess is just your regular 13-year-old making his way to school, but come tomorrow the young Tasmanian philanthropist will jet off to the US to be celebrated as part of a CNN Heroes Special, alongside four other "extraordinary young people making a difference in their community".
Campbell, affectionately known as Bumble, has become a beacon of hope and kindness around the world through his homemade teddy bear creations.
"I make bears for kids in hospital and people all around the world to make them happy," he told ABC Radio Hobart.
Mum Sonya Whittaker said she could not be prouder of her son and a visit by the CNN film crew to their Tasmanian home ahead of their US trip had brought home the impact he has had.
"Filming was really focused on Campbell for several days and at the end it actually made me go 'wow, this kid'," she said.
"Even though I see it everyday, when you watch it all together you realise how incredible it really is."
Ms Whittaker said the Young Wonders television program "searches the globe for young people doing amazing things" and they landed at the family's front door.
- Sidney Keys III (USA): Sidney, 11, encourages a love of reading by helping boys see themselves in books through his monthly book club "Books n Bros"
- Christina Li (USA): Christina, 19, is helping close the gender gap in the tech world. In 2015, she created "Hello World", a computer science camp for middle-school girls. For the past three years, her free weeklong camp has introduced about 30 girls to web development, game design, robotics and more
- Haile Thomas (USA): Haile, 16, is a teen health activist. Her "HAPPY Organisation" is leading the next generation towards a healthier future by bringing cooking lessons and nutrition education to children in underserved areas
- Ryan Hickman (USA): Ryan, 8, is on a mission to keep debris out of the ocean and save marine life through his thriving "Ryan's Recycling Company". So far his efforts have resulted in the recycling of more than 275,000 cans and bottles
- Campbell Remess (Australia): Campbell, 13, spreads kindness and comfort to hurting kids. Through his "Project 365 by Campbell", he creates and delivers custom-made teddy bears for children battling illnesses around the world
She admitted the process of being in contact with people going through "hard times" from around the world can be difficult, however it was all for a good cause.
"It's interesting to ask Campbell how he's feeling after he's been to something that's really shocking," Ms Whittaker said.
"After we leave my first question is always, 'how are you feeling dude?' and his answer is pretty much always the same.
"He'll say something like, 'that's pretty awful, Mum ... but did you see them smiling when I left?'
"Or when he gets a letter to say a person is really happy after receiving a bear, there's a big difference at the end of the process and I think that's what his target is."
Of the Young Wonders being profiled, Campbell is the only non-American.
Ahead of their Thursday morning departure, Ms Whittaker could not contain her excitement in a post on his Project 365 by Campbell Facebook page.
"We are so so proud of you ... not keen on the massive flight and you being the window/seat hog that you are, but wouldn't be sitting anywhere else in the world!" she wrote.
"Love you dude xxx let's pack!"
Campbell and his mum will join the other young heroes in New York on Friday for the CNN special, which Ms Whittaker said she hoped to share on Campbell's Facebook page.
Topics: charities-and-community-organisations, human-interest, community-and-society, arts-and-entertainment, hobart-7000
First posted