LABRADOR CITY, N.L. — A boy from Labrador West was recently honoured for the good work he does.
Gabe Flynn was given a Helping Hands award from Ronald McDonald House Charities Newfoundland and Labrador for the money he has raised over the years to help families stay with their sick children in St. John’s.
Awards were given out in seven categories and Flynn was the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Philanthropist – Young Hero Award.
“It felt really good,” he said. “I didn’t know it was happening. They invited us to a banquet in St. John’s and I didn’t know I was getting an award.”
His mother Beverly said she was aware of the honour and told Gabe he was going to the dinner to showcase the work he had done for the charity. She said he’s always been a giving child.
“He’s always been like this,” she said. “Always wanting to help others.”
When asked, Gabe said he didn’t remember how this had started, it was just something he always remembered doing. Beverly said when he was about six they were in St. John’s to get his tonsils out and she explained to him that Ronald McDonald House helped families who had no where else to stay when their children were in the hospital.
“He was shocked, he couldn’t comprehend what it would be like to be there without your parents,” she said. “On the flight home, he said, ‘I want to help’ and he has been ever since.”
She said her and his father are overwhelmed with pride and are so happy their son has such a big heart.
Flynn has been raising money for the charity for the last seven years and has given close to $5,000.
Right now he’s selling wooden ornaments, which he says have been a big hit. In the past he’s written a book to raise money, washed dishes and given all his birthday money to help.
“I just want to help families be there for their kids,” he said.
Gabe said he would like to thank everyone who has supported him. Without that support from friends family and the community, he said, he wouldn’t be able to make the donations every year.
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