Orphans' plight moves Ema, 6, to volunteer

Ema Drew is fundraising for a trip to Fiji to volunteer at an orphanage and school with mum Kathryn. Photo / John Stone

At only 6 years old, Ema Drew of Whangarei already knows what it means to be selfless.

Ema and mum Kathryn are heading to Fiji on January 3 after the youngster said she wanted to help children less fortunate than herself.

Ema said she wanted to go "because it's a poor place so I really wanted to help them".

They plan to travel to a remote island to volunteer at a school and orphanage while also providing essential resources such as library books.

When The Northern Advocate visited Ema she was dressed in her "Superhero Kid" costume because she said she was going to help others.

The idea was sparked about five months ago and the family is in the process of raising $5000 for the trip. Ema saw a YouTube clip of children at a school in Yasawa Islands in Fiji and was touched by how little they had.

Mrs Drew said Ema, who is homeschooled, had a very giving heart and it was something she tried to nurture in her daughter.

"For the last year she's been saving up her pocket money to give to charities," Mrs Drew said.

The only thing Ema purchased for herself was a small inflatable boat.

Next year the family also plans to travel to Thailand to open a home for homeless mothers and children.

The school they are visiting has recently started growing veges for a local resort which Mrs Drew said she hoped would expand so the school can get more income.

-To help fund Ema's trip head down to the Family Fun Day at Mair Park on Saturday from 9.30am-4.30pm. Santa will be there along with market stalls, a sausage sizzle and entertainment for the children.