Young boys donate semi-trailer load of hay to Eudunda to donate hay to farmers in need
The young South Aussie lad — who was renowned for performing the National Anthem with the Hiccups at a baseball game — has raised almost $10,000 to Rural Aid.
Pride of Australia
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It was a single video that inspired brothers Ethan Hall, 11, and Toby, 9 to make a difference.
Formerly known for performing the national anthem with the hiccups at an Adelaide Bite Baseball game, Ethan with his brother Toby have achieved their goal of donating a semi trailer load of hay to farmers in need.
Nominated for a Pride of Australia award this year, the Mitchell Park boys said they were inspired to fundraise after watching a Grant Denyer video who was speaking of the hardships farmers in drought were experiencing.
“When we watched the video it was quite heart breaking, it hurt both Toby and I’s feelings, and we thought we can do something about this, and we did exactly that,” Ethan told The Sunday Mail.
The boys put their heads together and made it their intent to raise $9500 for Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale campaign to help drought-stricken farmers.
The money was raised as the boys hosted a concert in November last year called Ethan Hall and Friends — A Concert for the Farmers, as well as extensive fundraising efforts all year.
Rain hail or shine, the determined boys busked in Harbor Town, The Central Market, the Handorf Inn and other spots every few weeks of the year.
And when their fundraising goal was reached, the Marion Primary School boys said they did a victory dance.
“It made me feel amazed, we were running around the room screaming,” Toby said.
Parents Kylie and Tim Hall said they are very proud of the boys’ efforts.
“They worked hard,” Ms Hall said.
“I think the biggest learning in this is the fact that they didn’t give up, they were dedicated to get that goal and even when things got a bit tough.”
The boys also got to watch the farmers collect their donated hay from Eudunda which they said was very exciting.
With dreams to become a professional singer, Ethan will make his return to the stage next Satruday as he opens the annual Australian Masters Games at the Convention Centre, which he said he hopes to perform hiccupless.
News Corp’s Pride of Australia is in its 15th year, and this year is partnering with Australia Post and 7 NEWS. The Advertiser and Sunday Mail encourage South Australians to nominate a community member achieving the extraordinary in the community.
More information, and to nominate visit the website.