Thousands of people from around the world are rallying behind a 9-year-old Australian boy who was ruthlessly bullied for his dwarfism at his school.
Yarraka Bayles was heartbroken to pick up her son Quaden from school in Queensland this week only to find the youngster in tears from being taunted by some other students.
Bayles posted a video of Quaden’s emotional response to social media in hopes that it would show kids—and parents—just how devastating bullying can be for a boy.
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The video did indeed have a powerful response; since it was uploaded on Tuesday, it has been viewed more than 20 million times
Hundreds of thousands of people have sent the family messages of love and support. Sports teams and celebrities such as Hugh Jackman have recorded video messages of encouragement for the youngster.
Furthermore, Australian comedian Brad Williams—who also lives with a form of dwarfism—started a GoFundMe in order to raise money to send Quaden and his family to Disneyland.
Quaden - you’ve got a friend in me. #BeKind @LokelaniHiga https://t.co/8dr3j2z8Sy pic.twitter.com/jyqtZYC953
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) February 20, 2020
“I’m setting up this GoFundMe to let Quaden know that bullying will not be tolerated, and that he is a wonderful human being who deserves joy,” Williams wrote on the campaign page.
“This isn’t just for Quaden, this is for anyone who has been bullied in their lives and told they weren’t good enough,” he added. “Let’s show Quaden and others, that there is good in the world and they are worthy of it.
“I have been in touch directly with Quaden’s mother. So I will have their information to book the flights. Funds raised will be spent on two airplane tickets for Quaden and his mother from Australia to Los Angeles, as well as providing a hotel, food, and tickets to Disneyland Park in Anaheim for multiple days.
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“After all the flights, hotel, tickets, and food is paid for, any excess money will be donated to anti-bullying/anti-abuse charities.”
Within 24 hours of creating the campaign, it surged past its original goal of $10,000 and garnered roughly a quarter-million dollars in donations. [Update: By Sunday, February 23, the fund has reached $460,000.]
“This is the best of humanity,” wrote Williams in a Twitter update. “I promise every penny donated will be put to good use. It will go to help Quaden and to make sure no child goes through what he went through. YOU ALL ARE AMAZING!”
Update! We raised 25k! I’m speechless. Many other people and celebrities have started their own campaigns of awareness and that’s great. Doesn’t matter where the help comes from as long as they are legit. I’m talking to his family to schedule the trip! https://t.co/bmRnGiSWil
— Brad Williams (@funnybrad) February 20, 2020
Be Sure And Share The Inspiring Story Of Kindness With Your Friends On Social Media…