Christmastime is especially magical for Alex Morgan, creator of Good Boy Ollie, a social media account dedicated to the shenanigans of her two labrador retrievers.
On Christmas in 2022, Morgan’s chocolate lab (and TikTok icon) Ollie gained a little brother, a yellow lab named Tato (short for Potato, of course). In 2023, with the help of their audience of millions, the trio donated 2,000 gifts to shelter animals at the National Animal Welfare Trust Berkshire.
And this year, they’ve outdone themselves once again.
With the generosity of their 2.4 million Instagram followers and 7 million TikTok followers, Ollie and Tato once again hosted a holiday toy and supply drive, but they also raised more than £13,000 — or over $16,288 USD — for NAWT Berkshire.
“Not only have you helped deliver thousands of toys, beds, important supplies, and food to NAWT Berkshire, but you have also raised almost £14,000 with Gift Aid for NAWT Berkshire for Tato’s Christmas run,” Morgan wrote on the dogs’ Instagram page.
While Ollie played the role of “Santa Paws” in this do-good endeavor, Tato and Morgan will be taking part in a race dressed as an elf, all with the motivation of raising funds for the shelter.
“Tato (with his mum!) will be taking part in a winter canicross race dressed as Santa’s elf,” a fundraising page explained. “Any donations will be greatly appreciated. We have witnessed firsthand what wonderful care everybody at NAWT takes of their animals. They truly deserve the best Christmas ever!”
It has also been an especially difficult year for the shelter, which experienced flooding and has been repairing its facilities over the past few months, in addition to supporting the needs of countless animals.
“This year especially has been incredibly tough financially for the charity,” Morgan shared on Instagram. “With rising bills, so many animals needing complex medical care, and never ending flood damage, this money will help them more than we could have possibly imagined.”
NAWT Berkshire’s recent fundraising efforts have been devoted to “keeping the lights on,” to ensure all its facilities have their energy and heating needs met, as bills rise and more floods are predicted in the coming year.
The support from Ollie and Tato’s loyal followers has certainly made a difference.
“We cannot begin to express how grateful we are,” NAWT Berkshire commented on the dogs’ Instagram page. “Ending a rather tough year on an incredible high thanks to everyone’s support.”
With the influx of supply donations, too, all the animals — including donkeys, sheep, and of course, dogs and cats — will have access to the essentials (and some fun toys) through the holidays.
“I keep forgetting the toys aren’t for me,” a playful voiceover acts as Ollie’s inner monologue in a video posted from the account. “But I know the rescue doggies need them so much more.”
In the same video, Morgan and the dogs highlighted some animals in need of loving homes, as well, encouraging followers to adopt and “help them find their forever homes soon.”
With wagging tails and festive crocheted hats, the dogs had one final message for everyone watching at home.
“We can’t thank you all enough for helping us deliver the best Christmas ever,” the Ollie-specific voiceover said in the video.
And in the caption, Morgan added: “The kindness of this community never fails to amaze us.”
Header images courtesy of Good Boy Ollie/TikTok
