How to donate unused Dine and Discover vouchers for children’s charities

Unused Discover vouchers can now be donated to give sick and disadvantaged kids the chance to visit Symbio Wildlife Park for free.

Unused Discover vouchers can now be donated to children’s charities to give sick and disadvantaged kids the chance to visit Symbio Wildlife Park for free.

The team at the popular zoo in Helensburgh, south of Sydney, are asking people to redeem their unused $25 vouchers to one of four children’s charities, which will provide a two-entry zoo pass to these kids and their families.

Following the month-long extension of the Dine and Discover initiative to the end of July, the zoo has partnered with Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, Starlight Foundation, Variety and KidzWish to help children “discover a wild life and be kids once again.”

Ashton Binskin, 9, and mum Renee enjoy an encounter with the meerkats at Symbio Wildlife Park as keeper Beth Beckworth feeds them. Picture: Toby Zerna

“Our goal is to get 10,000 redemptions, which means there will be 20,000 entry tickets out there in the Greater Sydney area for children in need,” Symbio’s Kevin Fallon said.

“There are 3256 redemptions so far. That means, to date, we will be issuing over $254,000 worth of tickets to the respective charities.

“The amount of positive sentiments from the general public around it has been overwhelming.”

After the vouchers are redeemed online, the chosen charity will receive a gift pass valid for 36 months to allocate to a family within the organisation.

Symbio Wildlife Park will then cover the remaining cost of the two-entry passes valued at $78.

Mr Fallon said that even though the Wildlife Park would foot the bill, the initiative was a simple act of kindness that will allow children and families in need to enjoy a day out without a financial setback.

“People are getting so much happiness from being able to do such a simple act of kindness,” Mr Fallon said.

“We are a conduit that allows people to connect with these charities … without leaving the comfort of their home.

“It doesn’t cost them anything and only takes 30 seconds of their time. It’s our way of giving back.”