Shock as Australian charity founder Scott Johnson dies suddenly

A much-loved charity director who supported thousands of vulnerable Australians has died unexpectedly, prompting an outpouring of tributes.

Scott Johnson, the Perth-based founder of Assisting Your Life to Achieve (AYLA Inc.), passed away on September 9 at the age of 40.

The father-of-two founded the charity 10 years ago with his husband Dave in the hope of helping disadvantaged members of the community with a simple vision of ‘changing minds, changing lives’

Assistance came in all forms, from emergency aid, school kits, domestic violence support, fitness and mental health programs to art therapy groups, disability jobs and counseling.

Prisoners returning to society, the homeless, people with learning disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community and troubled youth were also among the thousands of Australians receiving support.

The charity has also opened a hostel for LGBTI youth and a one-stop shop that is open seven days a week. This includes a charity shop, café, sewing and craft room, hair salon and offers emergency aid.

Mr Johnson’s sudden death has shocked the local community.

A week after his passing, AYLA Inc. remains closed until further notice.

Scott Johnson (left), founder of Assisting Your Life to Achieve, died unexpectedly on September 9

The father of two (left) had no life or funeral insurance when he died

“I am shocked by this terrible news. Scott and Dave helped my daughter so much when we first moved to Perth,” one woman wrote.

“They gave her a purpose and were kind, welcoming and always willing to help at a time when I was struggling to find that for my daughter. That gave me so much comfort as a worried mother.”

Another supporter wrote: ‘We are so grateful to have this beautiful place and we hope it stays open and that Scott’s legacy lives on here.

‘There are so few places where people who are ‘different’ can be themselves, without judgement.

As of July 2022, AYLA Inc. has assisted more than 15,000 families with emergency assistance in the form of food, clothing and furniture, valued at more than $1.1 million.

Rebecca Roach, one of Mr. Johnson’s best friends for nearly three decades, has a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses and led the outpouring of sincere tributes.

Unfortunately, Mr. Johnson had no funeral or life insurance, nor any substantial amount of money in his account when he passed away.

Many friends and family, including his husband, have to fly to Perth from overseas or from far away for the funeral.

“This man gave so much because he knew all too well what it felt like to be the black sheep, the outsider, to be abandoned and hurt by those who should have always given him love,” Ms. Roach wrote.

The shocking death of charity founder Scott Johnson (second from right) has left the local community shocked

‘Many hearts bleed for his loss, this world is a much darker place without his presence!’

‘I ask that in his grief we remember him as the special person he was, that we remember the literally thousands of people he helped, and the wonderful soul we were fortunate to have in our lives.

‘His family, who are still grieving, are also struggling with the financial burden and the pressure to pay for the funeral.’

‘Let’s help the family give Scott Johnson, a man who dedicated his short life to helping others, the send off he deserves!!

The fundraiser raised more than $20,000 in just a few days.

“It’s heartbreaking and joyful at the same time to know that Scott touched so many people and that people are now giving back. I wish he could have been there to see it,” Ms Roach wrote in an update.

Lifeline: 13 11 14, Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636