April 14, 2023 at 12:00 noon
An 8-year-old boy in Sarnia is raising money for Seaway Kiwanis Children’s Animal Farm, dedicated to his best friend, Lily the cow.
Carrie Kinlin shared a video on social media to promote a fundraiser organized by her son Madden Bell. To raise money for produce, Madden will be doing a “polar descent” on Saturday, even though it’s April.
Speaking to Sarnia News Today with a laugh, Kinlin said he decided to take the plunge after watching the social media video.
Second graders from Sacred Heart Catholic School set two goals for the fundraiser.
“If he raised $300, he’d be broke [water] If he raises $500, he’ll bring his friend Parker into the mix,” Jinling said with a laugh.
So far, Kinlin says they’ve raised $500 via electronic transfer, but can also donate directly to Animal Farm when visiting Sarnia Produce.
Madden originally planned to do polar diving at an area beach in front of family and friends, but plans changed after the video got attention.
“We’ll probably do it at Canatara in the lifeguard building, and he’ll do it at 11:30 a.m.,” Kinlin said.
She also said this will be Madden’s third fundraiser for Animal Farm. In the past, he sold donated produce at a vegetable stand and made plant pots for family and friends.
Kinlin said Madden’s desire to begin fundraising began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Animal Farm was closed to the public.
“He’s such a good boy! He just worries about Lily at night,” she said. Kinlin also mentions that Lily also seems to have an emotional connection to Madden.
“When COVID [hit] After the farm closed, they noticed her demeanor started to change and she started getting a little depressed,” she said.
Kinlin said Lily first took Madden to Animal Farm as a calf when she was 18 months old, so they’re probably about the same age.
“I absolutely adore cows!” Madden said. “She’s the only cow on Animal Farm that I like. …and she has the same hair color as me!”
Kim Lynn said they visit Lily three or four times a week, in the mornings before school so the two can have breakfast together.