Mooroolbark siblings raise money for Wildlife Victoria after Victorian bushfires
A brother and sister duo from Mooroolbark have raised more than $2000 to support hurt and displaced wildlife after devastating Victorian bushfires. Here’s how they did it.
Outer East
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A pair of Moorolbark siblings, saddened by images of dead and injured wildlife following devastating bushfires, have raised more than $2200 for Wildlife Victoria.
Zac, 10, and Tilly, 8, started by reaching into their own pockets after seeing scores of injured animals on the news.
And after putting their own pocket money towards the cause the pair decided more action needed to be taken.
So they hit upon the idea of a lemonade stand to raise funds.
Positioning themselves on Pembroke Rd on Saturday morning, and with a call-out on Facebook from dad Glen Featherstonhaugh, the donations were soon rolling in.
Lemons and paper cups were donated to the cause by neighbours, while donations and visits from Montrose CFA members and Mooroolbark police also excited the youngsters.
“Kids being kids, they don’t get caught up in the politics, anger or the blame game – they just want to help,” Mr Featherstonhaugh said.
“Both wanted to put some of their own pocket money towards the fundraising with every cent being donated to help the animals.”
Mr Featherstonhaugh said the day was “overwhelming to say the least”.
“Every day Aussies reached deep to help a great cause. The amount of young kids that showed up with their money boxes and donated was amazing,” he said.
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By the end of Saturday the pair had raised $1700, and with a quick call to their grandparents in Queensland, the total rose to more than $2200.
“Both Zac and Tilly were gobsmacked by the overwhelming generosity by our local community,” Mr Feathersonhaugh said.
“We will organise a bank cheque during the week and take the kids down to Wildlife Victoria and personally present the cheque to them.”
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