An eight-year-old Sarnia boy is raising money for the Seaway Kiwanis Children's Animal Farm, specifically for his best friend, Lily the cow.
Carrie Kinlin shared a video on social media, promoting a fundraiser organized by her son Madden Bell. In an effort to raise money for produce, Madden will take a 'polar dip' on Saturday, even though it's April.
Kinlin chuckled as she spoke with Sarnia News Today and said he decided to take the plunge after watching social media videos.
The Grade 2 student from Sacred Heart Catholic School had two goals for the fundraiser.
"If he raised up to $300 he would go under [water] and if he raised $500, he'd drag his friend Parker in with him," laughed Kinlin.
So far, Kinlin said they have collected $500 through e-transfers but donations for the Animal Farm can also be made directly when visiting Sarnia Produce.
Madden was initially going to do the polar dip at an area beach in front of family and friends, but plans changed after the video gained attention.
"We'll probably do it at Canatara, at the lifeguard building, and he's going to do it at 11:30 a.m.," Kinlin said.
She also said this will be Madden's third fundraiser for the Animal Farm. In the past, he sold donated produce at a veggie stand and made garden boxes for family members and friends.
Kinlin said Madden's desire to start fundraising started during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Animal Farm was closed to the public.
"He's such a good kid! He just worries about Lily at night," she said. Kinlin also mentioned that Lily appears to have an emotional connection to Madden as well.
"When COVID [hit] and the farm was closed, they noticed her demeanor started to change and she started getting a little depressed," she said.
Kinlin said Lily was a young calf when she first took Madden to the Animal Farm at 18 months old so they're likely around the same age.
"I like cows a lot!," said Madden. "She's the only cow in the Animal Farm that I like. … And she has the same colour hair as me!"
Kinlin said they go to visit Lily three to four times a week, in the mornings before school so the two can enjoy breakfast together.
