'Pay it forward' honors Sisters man

Circle of Friends founder, Duncan Campbell, was surprised after arriving Monday afternoon to what he thought was going to be a meeting at the organization's office on the corner of Hood Avenue and Pine Street.

Since 2013, local Central Oregon KTVZ NewsChannel 21, MidOregon Credit Union, and CoEnergy Propane have been giving away $500 every month to individuals who go above and beyond with the campaign "Pay it Forward."

Months ago, without telling anyone, Beth Hanson, Circle of Friends executive director, nominated Campbell for a chance to be chosen for the Pay it Forward campaign by sending in the article "The man behind the mentors," that appeared in The Nugget last June.

"I nominated Duncan because he is a man with a very big heart and a vision to see children succeed," said Hanson. "He has taken his past experience and decided to invest in children who could use a friend like he could have, when he was a child."

Campbell has definitely surpassed the call of duty when it comes to providing the most challenged children a nurturing relationship with an adult role model, who will spend quality one-on-one time to help them thrive.

Despite a difficult childhood, Campbell was able to achieve success beyond anyone's expectations. And he made a promise that one day if he had the resources to do so, he would help other children triumph over hard times.

And to keep his promise Campbell founded Friends of the Children in 1993, and Circle of Friends in 2011.

Circle of Friends is a volunteer mentor program in Sisters, and is modeled after Portland's Friends of the Children.

The primary goal of the organization is to support the young participants, as a friend or mentor, to earn a high school diploma, but it is evident that mentors inspire many children to achieve more. Over 50 percent of the kids go on to get further education at either a two-year or four-year graduate program.

Circle of Friends board treasurer, Shelley Marsh, was on hand to comment on why she thought NewsChannel 21 picked the right candidate for Pay It Forward.

"Duncan's commitment to young people, not only in our community, but as a whole, is proven in countless ways with his dedication, passion and commitment to ensure no child is left behind or fallen through the cracks of our society. His success in life is now bringing life success to many children," she said.

Campbell explained what he thought of the Pay It Forward campaign.

"I still remember watching the movie 'Pay It Forward' years ago and it resonated with me," he said. "And while that's been at the core of my thinking most of my life, it's exciting that it has taken hold here, in the communities, especially in Sisters."