Katerina McGilchrist: Berowra student’s mask charity quest for We All Care

Berowra Public School student Katerina McGilchrist has been praised for driving mask donations for charity, We All Care.

Katerina McGilchrist wears a mask as she encourages people to donate them to the needy. Picture: supplied

An 11-year-old-girl from Berowra Public School has been praised for driving mask and hand sanitiser donations for charity, We All Care.

It’s been a little more than a week but Katerina McGilchrist has already collected masks, organised collection points, distributed posters and has managed to get local businesses on board.

Katerina McGilchrist, 11, has launched a campaign urging residents to donate masks and hand sanitiser to the needy. Picture: supplied

Katerina said was shocked when she discovered the cost of masks and hand sanitiser while she was visiting the supermarket with her dad.

“When we went to shops my dad forgot to bring a mask and we got disposable masks and they were quite expensive so I wanted to help people who can’t afford them,” Katerina said.

“I’m on school holidays. I just thought if I could help that would be good. I created a poster and my parents helped by printing off posters and putting it on Facebook and getting the baskets to put at collection points.

Katerina McGilchrist writes letters to local businesses in a bid to increase mask and hand sanitiser donations. Picture: supplied

“People have dropped masks over to our house and after I wrote to local businesses I was really happy Bunnings were able to help. They donated masks and said they’d spread the word for me.”

She said it’s been a “nerve wracking” time for everyone in the community and “people should be able to stay safe”.

“It’s been a bit worrying seeing the numbers on the news.”

Katerina’s mother Connie McGilchrist said she was a little surprised when her ambitious daughter approached her with the idea.

People line up at Centrelink in Hornsby, after many Australians have lost their job due to COVID-19. Picture: Madelaine Wong

“I thought it was a great idea because it is something that can make a big difference to people. Masks can cost between $2 and $15 and it can be hard for people who are on a pension or on Job Keeper and just surviving,” Mrs McGilchrist said.

“Katerina has started to make masks and donate those as well. She got a sewing machine for her birthday.

“It’s exciting and nervwracking as a mum but we’ll how it goes. We want to make sure we defeat COVID and part of that would be everyone having access to masks.”

Businesses which are collecting masks on behalf of Katarina include Wise Monkey cafe and CoHo cafe in Berowra.

We All Care managing director Joanna Karalis thanked Katerina for her efforts.

“We All Care is a non for profit charity that helps disadvantaged Australians through free clothing pools,” Ms Karalis explained.

Hornsby MP Matt Kean urged people to get behind the initiative. Picture: Frank Redward

“I’d like to say a huge thank you for Katarina’s support for the masks distributed for disadvantaged Australians in greater NSW,” Ms Karalis said.

“People have been extremely generous. We’ve already distributed 2100 masks this week from people across NSW.”

Matt Kean encouraged the community to get behind Katerina.

“I think this is a remarkable initiative by a very generous and selfless member of our community,” Mr Kean said.

“COVID has had a huge impact on all of our lives but this just shows that individuals can make a difference.”