THE MASKED MARVEL
ROBYN HELPS GOOD CAUSES
A thoughtful youngster has been getting creative to help other children during the coronavirus pandemic and her skills have attracted attention across the globe
Eight- year- old Robyn Taggart is raising money for Children 1st, Scotland’s national children’s charity, by making and selling colourful tie-dye T-shirts and face masks.
Talented Robyn, from Renfrew, has been blown away by the support she has received, with orders coming from as far afield as Australia.
Her efforts have helped her raise more than £300 for Children 1st.
She recently held a garden sale, where she sold all 100 masks she has created.
Robyn’s proud parents Cheryl and Iain, both 36, have been pleasantly surprised by the response to Robyn’s project.
Proud mum Cheryl said: “Robyn is a wee star – that’s the word everyone uses to describe her.
“She’s so caring and friendly and is always looking out for others.
“When it first started I thought we would probably sell a couple of things but it turned into something we could never have imagined.
“The fact that Robyn is happy and is enjoying every minute of it is the most important thing.
I can’t get over people’s generosity, we’re genuinely blown away. It is so appreciated.
“Everyone has been so generous. “People have been giving her extra money for the charity.
“Although times are difficult for a lot of people just now, it’s nice to see people looking out for others.”
It was during lockdown that Robyn came up with the idea to sell her colourful creations after watching a video online of someone making a tie-dye shirt.
After making T-shirts for herself and her five- year- old brother Max, Robyn started taking orders through Sunshine and Rainbows, the Facebook page the family set up.
In just a matter of weeks, Robyn has sold more than 300 items, with orders coming in from across the UK and even Australia.
Robyn decided to support Children 1st after hearing about the incredible work the charity is doing to support children, young people and their families in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.
Cheryl added: “It came from nowhere and it was totally her idea.
“Now it has ended up bigger than we ever anticipated.
“The majority of orders are for T-shirts and face masks but she has also dyed cycling shorts and babygrows.
“As soon as Robyn heard about Children 1st it struck a chord and she wanted to do something to help.”
Talented Robyn added: “It makes me feel happy to help other children.
“I really enjoy making the T-shirts and face masks – it’s good fun.”
Mhairi Gordon, a Children 1st Project Worker based in Renfrewshire, said the money raised by Robyn will make a huge difference to the lives of children, young people and their families in Paisley, Renfrew, Johnstone, Linwood and across Scotland as whole.
She explained: “Children 1st in Renfrewshire works in partnership with Renfrewshire Council to support children and young people, and their families, to recover from the trauma of abuse.
“We empower children and young people and their families to express their thoughts and feelings, to recover from their experiences and to increase their well-being.
“By working alongside the young people, we help them to bring about changes that will improve their lives and the lives of the wider community in Renfrew.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to Robyn for her amazing fundraising for Children 1st.
“It takes a very special girl to think of other people.”
To support Robyn’s fundraising go to www. facebook. com/ sunshineandrainbowstiedye/
She’s so caring and friendly and is always looking out for others