A WEST Cork schoolgirl who donated her entire collection of plush toys to charity saw her generosity travel 9,000km across the world in just three days.

Sophie O’Reilly (14) gave her soft toys to a Sri Lankan volunteer who was gathering supplies for emergency relief efforts following recent floods in the Asian country.

And just 72 hours later she and her family were witnessing those same toys being handed out to children in Sri Lanka as the charity forwarded heart-warming video footage.

Sophie’s dad James, mum Magda and big brother John are hugely proud of her gesture but they said it came as no surprise given her kind nature.

James told The Southern Star: ‘Sophie has always been like this, she’s the type who gives away half of her lunch before eating anything herself.

‘She has been collecting these soft toys literally since she was born in CUH, so it was no easy thing to give them up.’

Second year student Sophie was humbled by the response and said she hoped her story encourages others.

‘I just wanted the toys to make another child happy,’ Sophie said. ‘I couldn’t believe they would reach Sri Lanka so quickly.’

James said when Rasika Edirisinghe, the Sri Lankan PhD researcher at UCC organising the charity drop, reached out Sophie didn’t hesitate to offer up her cherished collection.

He added: ‘Although, and rightly so, she held on to a few with special memories.’

‘We were completely taken by surprise when we received videos three days later of Sophie’s soft toys being put into the hands of beaming kids in Sri Lanka,’ said James.

‘It was hard to get our heads around the fact that they had only been in Sophie’s bedroom a few days before.’

Sophie’s granddad Padraig O’Reilly, from Clonakilty, was equally effusive in his praise, revealing: ‘It’s no wonder she would do such a nice thing when she is such a happy person to begin with.’

Sri Lankan volunteer Tharindu said the toys offer comfort, familiarity and a moment of happiness during an exceptionally difficult period.

‘These are not simply toys — they are symbols of humanity without borders, a reminder of the goodness that exists in the world,’ Tharindu said. ‘To see children who have lost so much find happiness again because of Sophie’s kindness is something none of us will ever forget.’

Donations of everyday essentials, sanitary items, soft toys, clothing, school supplies and financial contributions are greatly needed to continue supporting relief efforts on the ground.

To donate items or offer support in Cork contact Rasika (087-2666627) or Amila (085-6682159). To make a financial contribution visit https://gofund.me/fb1d4be31.

All donations will go directly towards supporting families affected by the floods, with distribution updates being shared transparently with donors.