Jack Magill with his trolley full of gifts for the Cash for Kids Christmas appeal.
Jack Magill, a nine-year-old local lad with a generous heart and a kind spirit, is making a difference to many lives this Christmas after raising £700 to donate to various causes.
It all started back in early November when the Ballymena boy told his mum he wanted to spend £100 of his birthday money to buy selection boxes for sick children after he heard an advert for Cash for Kids, an annual appeal that makes sure disadvantaged children across Northern Ireland wake up with a gift below the tree on Christmas morning.
The thoughtful nine year old was inspired to get creative with fundraising to add to the generous amount from his own money, with activities including, making and selling bags of reindeer food for 50p each to raise money to buy Crayola pens for children in the Royal Belfast for Sick Children, alongside selling advent calendars, and other bits.
Jack’s bags reindeer food he sold for 50p each.
Last week, Jack was delighted to travel to the children‘s hospital in Belfast, and he was able to present 100 packets of Crayola pens for the young patients.
Amazingly, after his hard work, Jack was able to give £175 to Cash for Kids, £100 to Women’s Aid, £225 to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, £100 to the Salvation Army, and £100 to a friend’s fundraiser to help the homeless.
Proud mum Alicia Magill and dad Robert Laverty, say young Jack has a heart of gold.
Staff member Gillian presented Jack with a gift after he delivered 100 packs of Crayola pens to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Jack’s stepdad Dean Robinson commented:
“Myself and his mum are super proud of him and how kind-hearted, and thoughtful he is.
“We would like to thank everyone who helped with Jacks’ fundraising efforts, and also to the staff at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for presenting Jack with a gift to acknowledge all his hard work.”
Camphill Primary School proud of pupil Jack.
Jack, who is a pupil of Camphill Primary School in Ballymena, also was praised by Principal, Mrs Karen McMaster. She said:
“This week we received really lovely news about one of our pupils. Jack in P5WS has been busily raising money for a number of charities this Christmas and we couldnt be more proud!
“Jack started this campaign with £100 of his own birthday money and ended up turning this £100 into £700 pounds by making reindeer food and selling it.
“Jack also has made and donated reindeer food for our school to sell at our Christmas outdoor stall during the week beginning Monday 13 December.
“Well done Jack! Camphill PS are very proud of you.”
Jacks mum concluded by saying:
“Next year we are hoping to double Jack’s fundraising total! Hopefully this will have helped to make someone’s Christmas that little bit better.”
