When the country of Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake most of the world banded together to raise money in support. Celebrities such as Wyclef Jean and George Clooney held telethons to raise funds and millions of people donated somehow. But seven-year-old British boy Charlie Simpson decided that he wanted to do something more.
So he decided he would try and raise around £500 (around $800) by riding his bike five miles around his local park, little did he know that it would be far more. He started a JustGiving page with this simple message:
“My name is Charlie Simpson. I want to do a sponsored bike ride for Haiti because there was a big earthquake and loads of people have lost their lives. I want to make some money to buy food, water and tents for everyone in Haiti.”
It just exploded from there. Word spread and Charlie’s bike ride became a national event. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown even spread the word through his “Downing Street” Twitter account. The country rallied behind little Charlie and his simple act of kindness towards a country he has never been to. When all was said and done, Charlie raised more than £136,000 (around $220,000) for UNICEF’s relief efforts in Haiti.
All children should realize that a simple act of kindness can turn out to be a national event. Charlie simply saw that people were in trouble and he acted. He wasn’t looking for national notoriety or fame but he got it because he was a good person. What is not to admire about that?
Accomplishments
- Personally raised more than $200,000 for Haiti relief
- Received thanks from British Prime Minister and David Bull, UNICEF’s UK executive director
- Got to hang with Simon Cowell
- Gained national attention with a simple act of kindness
- Rode his bike 5 miles around local park
Other role models for your kids:
