Billerica boy to mow lawns for oil spill cleanup

BILLERICA, Mass. -- A local 7-year-old boy is doing what he can to help the cleanup of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

During the next few weeks, Eddie Trottier is looking to take his love for riding lawn mowers and use it to help raise money.

The first grader is gearing up for a summer of charity work after pictures of oil-soaked birds in the Gulf region cut right to his heart.

“He wished there was something he could do to help the animals because he saw the pelican in the mud,” said Karen Trottier, the boy’s mother.

His mom Karen helped Eddie come up with the idea to volunteer to cut lawns in return for donations to help the animals affected by the oil spill.

“Whatever they can give is great. It all goes to the National Wildlife Federation," she said.

Eddie and his mom even have a catchy slogan for their idea.

“Eddie’s cause: Mowing for Muck,” said Eddie.

Despite his age, Eddie is a bit experienced at mowing lawns. Ever since his feet could reach the pedals at age 5, he has been mowing the lawn.

With his parents supervising every blade of grass he cuts, Eddie’s schedule is already filling up.

“We have about 30 lawns lined up right now, from Nashua to Southboro and mostly in Billerica,” said Karen Trottier.

Eddie is left dreaming of making a big difference, with a goal of “probably a million bucks.”

The family plans to mow lawns for at least the next month on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. They said that no donation is too small.

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