Exclusive:
Theo Carter launched a website where he put his very own toys for sale to provide gifts to families who may struggle this Christmas and raise funds for charity
Image: Theos Teddy Rescue)
A thoughtful six-year-old schoolboy has launched a mission to make sure all children get a gift this Christmas.
Theo Carter, from Kingston Upon Thames, was upset after watching a BBC news feature on universal credit in October.
He saw a woman being interviewed with her crying son and instantly felt sad for those who struggle to provide for their families, especially during the Christmas period.
It prompted kind Theo to set up a website, Theo Teddy Rescue, placing his own toys for sale.
His campaign, which launched just last week, hopes to see donations collected from all around the country. Theo also hopes to save toys from going into landfill so they can be regifted to those in need.
Theo said: “I was very sad when I watched the news and thought I could do something for children who may not get a toy from Santa.
“I hope people will buy a toy or sponsor one and we raise lots of money.
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Image:
Theos Teddy Rescue)
“Someone donated a teddy that I liked, but mum says I have to save up my pocket money to buy it from our shop.”
His team is ever growing after he recruited his best friend, Seb, 6, as his Operations Director.
Theo has already received a huge amount of support from across the UK, with one woman offering to donate 50 of her prized teddies.
His mum, Sara Carter, says her son wanted to sell his toys to raise money for charity after feeling sad hearing some children go without food or presents during Christmas.
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Image:
Theos Teddy Rescue)
She said: “The pandemic has provided extra challenges this year for many families already on and below the poverty line and Theo was really sad to hear that some children will not have enough to eat or get a present.
“We usually fill up a shoebox with gifts but he said he wanted to do something extra.
“He said he would sell his toys to raise money, so I have set up a website for him and he has got fully involved in running the rescue”.
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Image:
Theos Teddy Rescue)
Sara said she was alarmed by an increase in child poverty, with 30 per cent of children living in poverty just before the pandemic – 500,000 higher in comparison to five years ago.
Theo has already raised over £100 but hopes to raise more before the end of the festive season.
He hopes to give the money to a child bereavement charity, ‘Scotty’s Little Soldiers’, which aims to help children of members of the armed forces.
If you would like to donate or have any more questions, please visit: www.theoteddyrescue.co.uk
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