Kids from New York City spend a week by the beach, some for the first time.
By Ana Bottary
@anabottary
It’s only for one week in the summer. But, dipping his toes in the water and catching a wave on the ocean, is something 12-year-old New York native Emmanuel or as his friends call him Manny, looks forward to all year.
"I get to go outside here. But at home, there is too much traffic and there aren’t that many parks or anything," says Manny Ruffin.
This is the second summer Manny has spent with the Senecal family in Narragansett, who have 3 boys of their own. Living just down the street from the beach, they spend much of their time there. Manny says he has experienced many things for the first time.
"I learned how to surf," he says.
"My favorite part is him experiencing things that he doesn’t have back home. Like the first time he came here he said, wow look a bunny! I don’t think he ever saw one of those before," says Luke Senecal, son of the hosts.
The Senecal family, who voluntarily hosts Manny through the Fresh Air Fund, says it’s not just a life changing experience for him but for the whole family.
"You know this time right now it’s just so crazy. There is so much hate, there is so much going on right now and this just transcends all of that. It’s just friendship, and fun and love," says host Diane Senecal.
"It’s been great, Manny fits right in with the boys they have a blast. He’s just like another extra brother. It’s a good time," adds host Paul Senecal.
The Senecals say it’s an experience they hope more families will join in on.
"If you have kids and you have the ability to do it, do it,” he adds.
For more information on the Fresh Air Fund you can visit the website, http://www.freshair.org/
©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016
