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Gabriel Clark

Viral child woodwork star raises over 250k for Ukraine

Congratulations and a huge well done to 12-year-old viral sensation Gabriel Clark who has raised over a quarter of a million pounds to help the children in Ukraine!

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS 

The talented craftsman planned to sell his wooden bowls to fund a new mountain bike, but it turned into something more when Gabriel’s dad asked on Twitter for the public to follow his son’s woodwork Instagram account, which at the time only had 6 followers. However, in a wonderful turn of events 250,000 people responded and Gabriel decided to use his newfound fame for good.  

“I never imagined that my tweet would turn into this amazing thing…somehow, it’s resulted in people donating [over] £250,000 to help children in Ukraine, it’s just incredible!” – Dad, Richard.

Rather than funding his new mountain bike and spending approximately 30 years fulfilling orders of handcrafted bowls, Gabriel decided to carve one glorious wooden bowl etched with a blue and yellow ring, the colours of the Ukrainian flag to raise money for our Ukrainian appeal.  

OUR WORK IN UKRAINE

We are distributing vital supplies such as food, water, and hygiene kits to children in Ukraine, as well as providing child protection services including targeted support for unaccompanied and separated children, psychosocial support, and access to legal services. 

STAR ENCOURAGEMENT

With tweets of support from JK Rowling, Stephen Fry, Parks and Recreation star Nick Offerman and Harry Potter actor Jason Isaacs, donations tripled to over £250k and counting. Further encouragement flooded in from YouTuber and author Joe Sugg, music icon Cher and Radio 1 DJs Zoe Ball and Gregg James. 

GABRIEL BLOWN AWAY BY SUPPORT

“I’m absolutely blown away by the level of support that my bowl and I have received. I originally hoped to raise £5,000!”

“I hope that the money can help Save the Children to provide more support to kids who’ve been impacted by the conflict with things like food, water and a safe place to sleep.” – Gabriel Clark.

14,000 people entered the raffle to win Gabriel’s crafted wooden bowl and one lucky winner was announced on Easter Sunday – Renuka Chapman from London.

When Gabriel rang me to let me know I’d won the bowl, I was completely overwhelmed – I’ve never won a single thing before! This bowl will be one of my most treasured possessions. It represents hope, compassion, and kindness…it will have pride of place in my home.” – Renuka.

Though the raffle is closed, Gabriel’s fundraising page is still open to support!

From all at Save The Children, Gabriel, we would love to say a massive thank-you for your tremendous generosity! Keep on shinning.

If you are inspired by Gabriel, you can donate and find out more on how to fundraise for us.

Your continued support helps us to reach more children in Ukraine.

 

 

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