Wee Arran is a charity sweetie

A 7-year-old boy from Lenzie has just become the ‘sweetest’ boy in his street, after he organised a bake sale for SCIAF, his favourite charity.

Arran Bendermacher, who goes to Holy Family Primary, came up with the idea to raise money for SCIAF’s WEE BOX campaign, which runs every Lent.

His mum Claire said:

“Arran likes to bake, but this is his first bake sale! Despite just being seven, he did almost everything himself.

“He came up with the idea, created the poster on the computer and baked the cakes, with a wee bit of help from me. After that, I just shared it with some neighbours and put it on the Woodilee community page.”

Each year in Lent, generous Scots up and down the country give up a favourite treat such as coffee, chocolate, wine or crisps during Lent and put the money they save into a SCIAF WEE BOX.     

Other supporters hold fundraising events in their schools and parishes and take on personal challenges to raise money. They then donate whatever they raise at Easter to provide a hand-up to vulnerable communities worldwide, struggling to survive due to hunger, poverty, conflict and the climate emergency.      

Claire added:

“In total, Arran has raised £232 so far; we are all delighted! Our neighbours were so generous and so supportive of him.

“One man even donated £80, even though we had run out of cakes by then! Another guy was out on a walk and handed over £20, and didn’t even want a cake! All in all it was a lovely day and Arran was absolutely buzzing. Thanks to everyone who supported him and of course SCIAF.”

Arran said:

“It was really fun baking the cakes. Thank you to everyone who has donated. I have raised a lot more money that I thought I would."