When six-year-old Owen Colley learned about the devastating Australian bushfires and the tragic damage done to the animal populations, he decided to make handmade clay koalas to aid in the relief effort. With the help of his mom, Caitlin Colley, he has since raised over $250,000.
The mother-son duo from Hingham, Mass., are raising funds through GoFundMe and thanking as many donors as possible for their generosity with clay koala figurines. Proceeds go to the New South Wales-based wildlife rescue organization Wildlife Rescue South Coast.
In addition to raising much-needed money for animals impacted by the wildfires, Owen hopes to educate people about Australian wildlife. These causes are deeply meaningful to the little boy, who spent part of his childhood living there.
After learning about the wildfires, Owen drew a picture of a kangaroo, koala, and dingo in the rain, telling his mother the artwork represents his wish for Australia. Incredibly touched by her son’s heartfelt gesture, Owen’s mom helped him brainstorm ways to help, and they ultimately decided to offer clay koalas as “thank you” gifts for donations of $50 or more.
“It was really the first time Owen had made a wish for something other than Lego or something other than himself,” Ms. Colley told CNN. “We asked him if he wanted to help and … together, we came up with this.”
What Owen’s mom initially thought would be a modest campaign started out as an Instagram post with a $1,000 fundraising goal. Within a week, Owen’s efforts raised an astounding $20,000, and as donations continued pouring in, the family launched their GoFundMe page.
The fundraiser became so popular that Owen and his mom struggled to make enough clay figurines, even after purchasing all the available clay within a 20-mile radius. They recently announced that after January 19, they will no longer be able to thank donors with clay koalas but are grateful for everyone who has pitched in to the campaign and still happily welcome donations.
“Thank you ALL for helping a little boy do a BIG thing,” the family wrote on their GoFundMe page. “Owen wishes he could send a clay koala to everyone in the world!”
The kindergartner’s impressive accomplishments remind us that when it comes to rescuing wildlife, everyone has the power to make a difference.
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horreur
Thank you, Owen. What a wonderful boy you are. Kind and caring people are so special.
Thank you. The world needs more kindness. I hope they follow your examples.
Thank you
This young boy and his family are AMAZING.
Such a lovely story.
WHAT A LOVELY BOY. VERY KIND X
moche
WHAT A LOVELY BOY. VERY KIND X
horreur
Great thanks to Owen Colley and his Mom!
OMG!!! I LOVE this kid!!!! And his Mom. The apple did not fall far from this tree <3
Thank you Owen and Caitlin – just think of the good you've done!!!! <3
WOW… what a wonderful act of kindness from a special little boy. I wish there were more people, young and old, like you Owen… but we should be so grateful that you’re in the world! Keep it up.
horreur
While not obvious to your average bettor, the reason why so many horses are suffering life-ending injuries is because they are being worked, and raced to death. Drugged to mask their pain, they run until their limbs fracture. The owners and trainers of these horses should be investigated for these deaths. Tracks must institute a process that requires periodic scans of horses who have raced more than twice in a month’s period. It’s not the condition of the track, it’s the lack of moral care and respect for these innocent animals. How many more horse must die before racing officials act?
Thank you Owen.
I have already read about Owen in the German news. At his young age, he is more a man than a thousand others. What a wonderful young boy. I cannot praise him enough. May heaven reward him for his selfless deed and live him lucky and happily for all his life. Thank you, Owen, you are a model and teacher for all of us and for the best we can bring out.
My heart goes out to all animals that are abused! I don’t know why they think they have the right to do such cruel things to a living object. ! All I can say is thank you to those who help the injured and the abusers will pay for what they have done. Not everyone can donate, including myself, but I know for sure that our prayers and our love for all animals, is from the heart!! Such a heart breaking situation for those in Australia. ❤️🐾
Cet enfant est un exemple pour bien des adultes! Ces parents peuvent être très fiers de lui!
Wonderful child 🙂
What an amazing thing to do from such a young boy, well done
What an amazing thing to do from such a young boy, well done
Sweet boy may god always bless him
What an altruistic young leader Owen Colley is! It brings tears to my eyes to think of the selflessness of young Owen and the good that these proceeds will bring to the devastated wildlife of Australia.
There’s alot children can teach about compassion and doing the thing.
Well done, young man.
Well done Owen Colley!
Wonderful story, will inspire others!
What a good boy, you can tell he was brought up properly.
What a sweet abd selfless thing for him to do. Thanku Owen you are a beautiful human being. This renews my faith in humanity. 🧑👩🐨
Owen Colley Our family honors your ingenuity & compassion for honoring & respecting the lives of all creatures on the planet earth. Namaste🐦
the Galarneau& Anderson family.
THANK YOU!!! BIG HUG