Every little rock helps
Gemma Lovewell might only be six years old but she has a keen sense when it comes to helping people. Everyone in her Whitby household has a charity they support and Gemma’s is the Wellington Children’s Hospital. Her reasoning is simple: ‘‘There are lots of sick children there that can’t do things like we can.’’
It is the hospital’s 100-year anniversary and Gemma has a goal to raise $100 for them – on top of the pocket money she already donates. One of her favourite hobbies is making pet rocks. Last school holidays she swung into action for her cause making these.
Small rocks from the Ngatitoa Domain foreshore were collected and Mum, dad and brother Daniel helped Gemma give them personality with googly eyes, glitter, stripes and spots.
The pet rocks are $1 and ‘‘virtual’’ rocks are available for $2.
Through word- of- mouth and a website – petrockfactory. snappages.com/home.htm – 80 have already been sold.
Orders for the digital pals have come from as far afield as London and San Francisco.
Mum Robyn says Gemma has been focused on her task.
‘‘When she gets an idea she commits to it, that’s for sure.’’
Early next month, Gemma will hand in her donation. The staff know her well from previous visits.
Gemma’s pet rocks are on sale until July 31. As we went to press she was $15 off her target.