The teenager who has become known worldwide as ‘Egg Boy’ has donated nearly $100,000 to victims of the Christchurch mosque attack.
While the nickname isn’t the most glamorous, Will Connolly earned himself the title for a heroic reason – and if you don’t already know this part of the story, I’m glad to be able to share it with you.
In the wake of the New Zealand attack, which saw a gunman open fire on the two mosques, ex-senator Fraser Anning suggested Muslim immigration was in part to blame for the attack.
In response to the controversial comments, the 17-year-old smashed an egg over the 69-year-old’s head in an incredible feat which was caught on camera and quickly went viral.
Will gained support from all over the world, and two GoFundMe pages were set up to raise funds to cover legal fees he faced after the stunt.
As it turned out, however, the donations weren’t needed as his lawyers offered to represent him for free. So instead the 17-year-old decided to give the money to those who needed it most; those affected by the attack.
Will announced his donation on Instagram today (May 28), writing:
After a huge amount of red tape,$99,922.36 has today been transferred to the Christchurch Foundation and Victims Support.
For those of you who don’t know, there were 2 Go Fund Me pages set up to help cover the cost of my legal fees and to ‘buy more eggs’. Gratefully, Gordon Legal acted probono for me so I don’t have any legal fees.
I decided to donate all monies to help provide some relief to the victims of the massacre… it wasn’t mine to keep.
I want to thank Corey and @sajjad12345 who set up the funds and every single person who donated to the money and made this possible.
To the victims of the Tragedy, I whole heartedly [sic] hope that this can bring some relief to you.
Will was let off with an official police warning for the egging, and his lawyer told reporters he wouldn’t do it again. But although his actions might not have been the most mature, his donation has certainly proved some good came from the situation.
It certainly is an incredible gesture for all those affected by the tragic attack.
If you have a story you want to tell, send it to story@unilad.com.
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.