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Thanks to her dad, an Ottawa radio personality, the intrepid youngster was well prepared for the opportunity, but she didn’t expect Sheeran’s reaction.

“What’s your favourite charity?” Piper asked the singer, extending the microphone in his direction.

When he told her about the East Anglia Children’s Hospice, where he said his mom works, Piper pulled out her surprise: a fistful of money. “Here’s 25 pounds from my birthday money to donate to that charity,” she said earnestly.

“That’s so nice,” he responded, clearly moved by the gesture. After a few more minutes of questions, Sheeran asked Piper about her favourite charity. “Um, the Salvation Army,” she said.

Sheeran reached into his pocket, and slipped her two $100 bills in Canadian currency. “You give that to the Salvation Army and I’ll give yours to the hospice,” he said.

Piper was thrilled, and everyone in the room left with a smile.

