Olivia Fernandes might not be able to say in a single word what she got for her sixth birthday.
Regardless of how you say it, the Kitimat girl raised $767 for Variety — The Children’s Charity, after asking guests to her birthday to make donations rather than buy her presents.
Olivia is close friends with the sister of Levi Gardiner, a one-and-a-half year old boy with a rare disorder which essentially makes coordinating breathing and swallowing impossible.
Olivia was impressed with the support Variety provided to the Gardiners and wanted to give back.
Olivia’s mom, Kate, said the idea was all Olivia’s, and came from a conversation about how there are children who are ill and in need.
Levi’s mom, Michelle, was very impressed by the gesture.
“It’s pretty amazing they were able to do this,” she said. “It makes me feel very proud of little Olivia that Levi was able to encourage this.”
These days she said Levi has been happy, even as they continue to address ongoing issues.
Variety is hosting their major fundraiser, the Show of Hearts telethon, on February 16 and 17 on Global BC.