Heartbroken, they were determined to raise awareness around child water safety, launching the Hunter Boyle Children's Swim Program, which aims to raise enough money to fund a year's worth of swimming lessons and water safety education to vulnerable children between the ages of six months and 12 years.
“The community supported us so amazingly after Hunter's death. This program was our way of giving back to them,” Ms Napolitano said.
“But more importantly, we don't want another family to go through what we're going through, or another child to die if it's preventable.
“Two weeks after Hunter passed away, Matt and I were trying to think of ways we could stop this from happening to another family, so I contacted Kidsafe and spoke with Mel (Kidsafe Victoria chief executive Melanie Courtney) and we came up with the idea.”
So far, the program has raised more than $2000, with a goal of $30,000 by the end of April 2021, which would provide 20 kids with 12 months worth of swimming lessons, as well as a bathing suit, towel, swimming bag and goggles.
“We thought of it like that because we are targeting vulnerable children and some families who may not be able to afford swimming lessons, or if they can, may not be able to afford bathers or a towel,” Ms Napolitano said.
She said it would mean so much for the program to be ongoing.
“In the future we would love to run a truck show. Hunter loved his cars and trucks, so we would love to be able to run a yearly show that would provide funds for the program,” she said.
These are just a few of the couple's plans to raise money for the program, with plans for a raffle already in the works.
“Everyone knows a child or has a child and no-one wants to experience going through this, so if we can educate one parent or carer and provide these lessons to one child, we've done our job and that's amazing,” Ms Napolitano said.
Ms Courtney said Kidsafe was incredibly privileged to help support the family in such a selfless act.
“This is such an amazing legacy for Hunter and we are 100 per cent in support of Ashlie and Matt,” she said.
“It's critical to keep kids safe around bodies of water and swimming is a vital lifelong skill.
“There was a huge spike in child deaths (five toddlers drowning since July, and more due to other accidents) around the same time as Hunter passed.
“Particularly with COVID, it was challenging for families to watch their kids and manage working from home.
“It is broader than just water safety, it is so important to know the hazards in your home and take measures.”
For businesses interested in hosting donation tins, donating vouchers for services as part of the program's upcoming raffle or simply for more information, Ms Napolitano can be contacted at ash.hbcsp@outlook.com
To donate, visit givenow.com.au/crowdraiser/public/thehunterboylechildrensfoundation
