A 9-year-old Isle of Wight boy has raised money for Friends of the Animals after they helped his late ‘furry dogmother’, Florence.
Joe, who attends St Mildred’s Sunday School, sadly lost his furry friend Florence nearly 2 years ago and has since dedicated his time to raising money for Friends of the Animals and St Mildred’s Church in Whippingham following the loss.
Using his pocket money and spare time, Joe bought and grew seeds with the help of his ‘greenfingered Nan’, together they prepared a selection of plants to sell at the St Mildred’s May Fayre held last weekend.
He was helped on the day by his brother, Ed, and cousin Ellie-May, with support also coming from friends, family, neighbours and visitors attending the event.
Thanks to the generosity of those attending the fayre, Joe raised a total of £121.82 – including an American cent.
The wider church event is also understood to have raised somewhere in the region of £1,600, although this figure remains unconfirmed.
Organisers say the May Fayre proved to be a successful community event, with the organising team praised for their hard work in bringing the day together.
Joe also took to social media ahead of the event to encourage people to attend, promoting the books, cakes and plants on offer.
Friends of the Animals invited Joe to their office on Tuesday for a formal presentation of the funds.
Joe says he is delighted to have been able to help both the church and the animal charity, and is already considering making his fundraising efforts ‘bigger and better’ next year.
Joe chose to split the proceeds equally between St Mildred’s Church and Friends of the Animals.
The world needs more people like this young man.
Joe would make a great chancellor of the exchequer, he knows
how to spend money sensibly and on great causes.
Well done Joe, the country needs more Joe’s.