10-year-old magics up over £800 for guide dog charity

Sunday 21 February 2021

A 10-year-old boy's plan to help keep Santa's sleigh in the sky has helped raise £800 for a local guide dog charity.

Springfield pupil William Highfield sold more than 800 bags of his magic reindeer food across at Christmas in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind Jersey.

Through the sales, William raised £418 by himself. 

Supporting William too, law firm Viberts sleighed in to match his earnings, bringing the total up to £836.

Pictured: William has been selling his magic reindeer food for the last five years.

William has raised £4,389 for local charities over the island in that period since he first came up with the magic reindeer food idea five years ago.

The supernatural concoction features a mixture of oats, cupcake sprinkles, and, the most important ingredient of all, magic to ensure Santa's reindeer stay energised as they whizz around the globe.

Though he usually sells through local shops and businesses, due to covid, he fundraised through local donations and an honesty box outside his house last year.

Pictured: The money William has raised will go to the Jersey branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind. 

Viberts Managing Partner, Zoe Blomfield described William's "ongoing commitment and success" in raising money for local charities as "an inspiration to us all."

Guide Dogs for the Blind Chair, Kenneth Syvret, wrote to William last week to thank him for his efforts over Christmas.

"I know that it has been disappointing for you not having the usual sales due to the covid-19 problems but your efforts to continue raising funds is a tribute to your resilience. It takes much effort to raise such a large sum and your dedication to the cause deserves he highest praise," he wrote.

Mr Syvret added: "...many thanks for the time, energy and dedication which you have put to your task, we salute you."

William's fundraising will help support the continued training of guide dogs in Jersey.

At the moment, Golden Retriever Walnut is currently learning the ropes to walk in the paw-steps of her big sister, Star. In 2018 and 2019, Star was a familiar face in Jersey, but is now in the UK helping a family. 

"Her owner wanted to say a huge thank you to Star’s sponsors and to let people know that anyone who sponsors a [guide dog] puppy, you really do make a difference," the charity said.