A colourful butterfly fluttered into the hall at Gaskell Primary School in Bolton on World Book Day – but this was no ordinary character from a storybook. Meet Molly the Money Butterfly, a playful and purposeful character created to help children understand one of life’s most important but often overlooked skills: how to manage money.
Around 60 pupils gathered in the hall as Molly arrived with a message built around three simple ideas: Save, Share and Spend. Through stories, activities and lively discussion, children explored how money works and why understanding it early can help them make thoughtful choices later in life.
Behind the bright butterfly wings was Christine Baldwin, a well-known Bolton community champion who brought Molly to life for the session. Christine is widely recognised for her work supporting schools, charities and community initiatives across the region through her role with Asda Community and her involvement in a wide range of local groups and education partnerships. Over the years, she has become a familiar and much-valued presence in Bolton’s community life, quietly helping connect schools and grassroots organisations with resources, encouragement and opportunity.
She has also played an important role in the She Inspires Awards. Christine was a finalist many years ago and, in the true spirit of giving back, returned as a judge. Since then, she has gone on to serve as a lead judge for several years, continuing to play an important role in recognising and encouraging women making a difference in their communities and sectors.
Today, Christine is also an Empower 50K Champion, supporting the Let’s Talk Money initiative and helping bring financial literacy into schools in a way that feels joyful, memorable and accessible. On this occasion, she swapped her usual role for butterfly wings. The session was built around the three S’s of money: Save for the future, Spend wisely, and Share with others. Using storytelling, games and interactive questions, pupils were encouraged to think about money in ways that felt simple, practical and relatable.
One of the most delightful moments of the morning came with the appearance of Baby Molly, played by one of the pupils, complete with her own little wings. Her presence added warmth, fun and a lovely sense of participation to the session, helping make the learning feel even more interactive and engaging. Rather than simply watching from the audience, the children became part of Molly’s story. By the end of the session, the children were enthusiastically talking about what they might save for, how they might spend wisely and why sharing matters too.
The visit also included Gulnaz Brennan, founder of the She Inspires Foundation and author of the Molly the Money Butterfly book.
Speaking to the children, Gulnaz shared why she created Molly and why financial literacy matters so deeply. She explained that many adults struggle with money not because they lack ability, but because nobody ever taught them the basics when they were young. By starting those conversations early, children can grow up with greater confidence, understanding and independence.
Financial literacy is increasingly recognised as a vital life skill. Research has shown that children begin forming attitudes towards money from a young age, which is why early, positive and practical learning can make such a lasting difference. The session at Gaskell Primary School aimed to do exactly that, turning money into something children could understand, talk about and enjoy learning. Adding to the magic of the visit was one of the school’s own standout features: a beautiful book vending machine that gives out books rather than chocolate or crisps. On World Book Day, it felt like the perfect symbol of what schools can do when they place imagination, learning and aspiration at the heart of their environment.
The Let’s Talk Money initiative, part of the She Inspires Foundation’s wider work, is designed to bring financial literacy into schools through storytelling, creativity and conversation. Its aim is not simply to teach children about coins and notes, but to help them build confidence, responsibility and a healthier relationship with money from an early age.
At Gaskell Primary School, that message was warmly received.
For one memorable World Book Day in Bolton, Molly the Money Butterfly – joined by Baby Molly in her little wings – helped turn financial education into something joyful, imaginative and full of possibility.
