LONDON (Jan. 25) — He’s no Wyclef Jean or George Clooney, but that hasn’t stopped 7-year-old Charlie Simpson from raising nearly $200,000 (£120,000) for the Haiti earthquake.
Simpson, from Fulham, west London, had hoped to raise just £500 for UNICEF’s earthquake appeal by cycling five miles around a local park.
“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,” said Simpson on his JustGiving page, a fund-raising site that launched his efforts.
“I want to make some money to buy food, water and tents for everyone in Haiti,” he said.
And with that simple call, messages of support flooded the site.
“Such a big heart for a young boy, you’re a little star!” wrote one supporter. “Well done, Charlie. A real celebrity,” said another.
More donations began pouring in after the story caught the attention of the British media — with many cheering Simpson to the $200,000 mark.
Even British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is spreading the message. His “Downing Street” Twitter handle said: “Amazed by response to the great fundraising efforts of 7 yr old Charlie Simpson for the people of Haiti.”
http://www.gnn.com/article/7-year-old-british-boy-raises-200000-for/872649