FRIDAY 8:30AM:
Mr McCann said the Channel Seven Sunrise broadcast from the Geelong family’s home would take place about 8.45am, which is an hour later than planned.
He said more than $4000 had been raised since last Wednesday, May 17, with about $1200 raised overnight.
“It was great to see this story has touched all,” he said.
The money has been used to buy a television and other gifts for the family of a boy, aged 6, who left his Geelong home on push bike to buy a flat screen television for his mum late on Mother’s Day.
Mr McCann said he and his Todd Howard, who visited the family last night, were inspired by the boy’s efforts to show his mother he loved her.
Together they put in $500 for the cause to help out, with thousands more raised thanks to the generosity of Redlanders.
EARLIER:
REDLANDERS’ generosity will receive national attention tomorrow when fundraising efforts begun by two Cleveland men are broadcast on popular Channel Seven breakfast show Sunrise.
Ryan McCann, who owns First National Real Estate Cleveland, said about $2500 had been raised for the family of an autistic six-year-old boy who left his Geelong home on push bike to buy a flat screen television for his mum late on Mother’s Day.
The story rose to prominence after it was aired on Channel Nine last Tuesday, May 18.
It was reported the boy, Raith Barlow, had 40 cents in his pocket to buy a television from Aldi, with his attempted purchase prompting the store manager to contact police.
Mr McCann said he was inspired by Raith’s effort to show his mother how much he loved her.
“I wouldn’t ride 3km to buy my mum a television,” Mr McCann said.
While Mr McCann and his friend Todd Howard, owner of Snap Fitness, laid down an initial $500 to help the boy buy the television, the duo were awestruck by those in the Redlands who had dug deep to help out.
Contributions from staff at Munro Project Builders, Professional Rentals, Landmark Building and Developments, One Stop Cafe and others, including Bowman MP Andrew Laming, have all been made.
The Westpact bank account, which has seen the $2500 deposited in less than two days, will remain open until 2.30pm tomorrow for those who would like to give.
Mr McCann said presents bought with the money, which include the television, will be given to the Geelong family by Mr Howard tonight and broadcast by Channel Seven on Sunrise about 7.50am tomorrow.
To inquire, visit Mr McCann’s Facebook page here.