WHEN seven-year-old Jack Villa set himself a target to raise money to help orphaned and vulnerable children and women in Africa no one knew what to expect.
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Inspired by a performance by members of the Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda at the Grace Christian Fellowship Church and their stories of survival, Jack hoped to raise $500 by selling handmade key rings and bracelets.
But in two short weeks, with the help of a generous community, the compassionate boy has raised a whopping $1049.05 for the cause.
"I want to say thank you to everyone for supporting me and being so generous," Jack said.
His proud mother Renae said she was surprised and overwhelmed by the support shown.
"He did really well, he went to the Grace Community Markets one Saturday and then to Griffith Central the next week and people were just so generous," she said.
"He also sold a few at Echuca and we got out of town donations too.
"It is very humbling. I was surprised by how willing people were when their own kids are making the loom bands.
"He can choose where he wants the money to go. The original plan was to donate it to orphans and destitute women. "
Mrs Villa said the fundraising project had been a positive experience for the whole family.
"This has been a fantastic opportunity to show Jack that goals can be achieved and visions reached if you work hard enough," she said.
"Around $500, which was his initial goal, allows you to sponsor one child for a whole year. He has doubled that.
"We even have left over bands, which we will take to the nursing home and hand them out. The elderly love it when the kids visit."
Jack received assistance from his little sister Isabelle, 4, and cousins Lara, Madysen, Elise and Emilia Collier, to make the leather wrist bands, bookmarks, loom bands and key rings that were sold
