Kind Advay offers his neighbours his toys and a ‘Second Hug’

A 6-year-old boy from Newton Mearns has left his neighbours ‘melting’ after an extraordinary show of kindness and generosity.

Inspired to make a difference, Advay came up with the idea of creating his own mini street shop called “A Second Hug”, where he sold some of his toys and books to raise money for his favourite charity SCIAF’s WEE BOX Appeal.

The act of kindness from such a young boy left his neighbours ‘melting’ and keen to support his fundraising efforts. 

Mum Ishita Gupta said:

“He came up with the whole idea himself. He had been learning about SCIAF’s work at his school, St Clare’s Primary, and came home one day and said mum ‘There are all these children and they don’t even have enough water to drink, I want to do something to help.'"

Advay then planned the whole day himself, including writing invitations for his neighbours, which he hand-delivered.

Ishita said:

“He didn’t have the strength to open the letter boxes, so he just chapped on the doors and told everyone all about his venture!

“He also sorted all his unwanted books and toys – some he even still played with but said that younger kids might enjoy these more than him. I was so proud of him.”

Advay opened his shop at 12 noon sharp and mum was on hand to assist.

“I told him that he was the boss and I was his helper and I wasn’t going to tell him what to do for a change! He added a bubble machine – because the little kids would love it – and drew chalk arrows pointing to his shop! It was a beautiful thing to see – his giving nature.

“He showed great salesmanship and even gave a granny a demonstration of his motorbike before she bought it.”

Advay raised a total of £80 for SCIAF’s WEE BOX Appeal. 

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 to provide a hand-up to vulnerable communities worldwide, struggling to survive due to hunger, poverty, conflict and the climate emergency.      

This year’s appeal focussed on helping people to access clean, safe water and other life essentials.  SCIAF has been funding local organisations in Ethiopia to bring clean water to communities and help people help themselves out of poverty.

Ishita said:

“As a mum I am so proud of what Advay did. His school played a big role in it by explaining to the children about the work of SCIAF and the importance of looking after our sisters and brothers around the world who are less fortunate than us. Our neighbours were also amazing and were so generous. It was a really great day.”

Ben Wilson, SCIAF’s Director of Public Engagement said:

“This is wonderful reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference. We want to thank Advay and his mum for their kindness and commitment to our sisters and brothers in the countries we work. SCIAF’s motto is 'A Better World is Possible' – thanks to our incredible supporters across Scotland, we are building that better world every day.”