How One Child Is Bringing The Gift Of Sound To Kids Affected By Hearing Loss Around The World

If there’s one thing we should know, it’s to never underestimate the power kids have to change the world. With their ability to dream big and visualize a better future, sometimes all they need are the right tools and a little bit of encouragement to make a significant impact. This spring, we’ve partnered with H&M to spotlight a few incredible role models who are making a difference in their communities. We all can learn a thing or two from these inspiring young trailblazers, and now is the time to celebrate them.

Braden Baker has been raising awareness for hearing aids ever since he was 10, after his dog, Chewy, decided his pair would make a good snack. Braden learned just how much hearing aids cost, and like many other medical-related necessities, that they aren’t covered by insurance. “That got me thinking,” Braden says, “What do other people do when they can’t just get a new pair?” Braden decided that he wanted to help other people who needed hearing aids but couldn’t afford them.

“If your child comes to you with an idea, truly listen to them. What I’ve learned and now know is that our children are actually our biggest teachers.”

Braden started a fundraiser and spread the word via his mom Ashley’s social media. “I know how important my hearing aids are to me, so I wanted to help do something about people out there that have a hard time gaining access to hearing devices,” he says. Today, Braden works with various nonprofits to give the gift of sound to children suffering from hearing loss around the world.

Change starts with a question, and we all know kids have endless curiosity. A simple “why” or “how” can jumpstart real, effective change. Ashley, Braden’s mom, believes kids are the new role models because they actually see life through a clearer lens and don’t have all the filters adults have created for themselves. “They tend to speak their truths, and their authenticity, in most cases, just seems so true to who they are,” she says. “If your child comes to you with an idea, truly listen to them,” she continues. “What I’ve learned and now know is that our children are actually our biggest teachers.”

“I think you can do great things at any age, as long as you really mean it and it’s coming from your heart.”

From Braden’s perspective, meaningful change doesn’t have to be a major initiative. The smallest action can result in the biggest kind of magic. “I always like to say that making a difference doesn’t have to be huge and get a bunch of attention, it needs to be something that really means something to you,” says Braden. “I think you can do great things at any age, as long as you really mean it and it’s coming from your heart.”

If your little one is making an impact and has an inspiring story to tell, H&M wants to hear it. Submit your own Role Model story now on H&M Kids.

Photography: Trevor Paulhus; Art Direction: Diana Weisman; Branded Fashion Director: Jenna Wexler; Branded Fashion Editor: Kate Marin; Production Manager: Nancy Valev