Five-Year-Old Gains Online Recognition for Charity Litter Collection

A five-year-old boy, Harlee, residing in Chelmsley Wood, has achieved a degree of internet fame within a Solihull community. Dressed in a hi-vis jacket and equipped with a litter grabber, he dedicates his time to collecting refuse in the vicinity and generating funds for local food banks and charitable organizations. Kevin, Harlee’s father, documents his son’s activities on a personal Facebook group named “Harlee’s Trash Patrol,” which currently boasts over 170 members. Additionally, Harlee maintains a specific YouTube channel. Speaking to BBC Radio WM, Kevin stated, “He would go out every day, all day. He’s just non-stop.” He further expressed his sentiments, adding, “I couldn’t be more proud of him,” and “he’s such a joy to be around.” Harlee initiated his endeavor to tidy the locality because he was bothered by the widespread presence of trash. Following an instance where he removed litter from outside a residence, he received £20 as an expression of gratitude, which he then utilized to purchase provisions for a local food bank. To date, his contributions have benefited two food banks and one local animal rescue organization. Supporters following his Facebook page contribute to his GoFundMe campaign, and he also organizes raffles. Kevin mentioned, “We had a target of £50, and we checked this morning, we’re up to £55.” He elaborated on fundraising methods, stating, “We also do a football card as well where you do a pound a team and there’s 40 teams.” The proceeds from this are divided between the winner and Harlee’s charitable fund. Since commencing his activities, he has discovered various discarded items, including fast food wrappers, beer bottles, and even a single shoe. Harlee informed the BBC that collecting refuse brought him joy. He explained, “I can get money, get food, and help people.” However, he offered a practical warning for individuals considering similar endeavors: “You have to be careful about [dog] poo, because it could be under leaves.” For updates, follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.