Children who attend G8 Education Ltd early education centres have collectively raised $15,764.70 to help support local farmers in regional New South Wales that have been severely impacted by the ongoing drought.
The co-ordinated initiative called “Buy a Bale” saw children and families at 30 different G8 centres across Australia participate.
Sausage sizzles and farmer-themed dress up days were the main fundraising activities.
G8 matched the funds raised by the centre-based teams dollar-for-dollar bringing the total to $31,529.40 which is equivalent to 190 bales of hay that were purchased and delivered to farms across the country on Friday 25 January.
Commenting on the initiative Gary Carroll, Managing Director of G8, said “It’s a wonderful effort on behalf of all the centre teams, families and children.” “This collaboration of enthusiasm not only epitomises the Australian spirit of generosity and community but also demonstrates how important these early learning centre experiences are in educating our children about matters beyond the early years curriculum.” Rachael Morris, Centre Manager at Nurture One Albert Street, whose centre raised $4,325.70 for the initiative noted “We wanted to make a difference to our local farmers in our region as the drought had severely impacted numerous farms in the direct community.” “This is a great community and the fact that so many families came together for our Breakfast and Raffle drive meant we had widespread support from across the region.
Families were passionate about the cause and making a difference for farmers and their families.” To celebrate the delivery of the bales the children at Nurture One Albert Street visited a local sheep station outside Parkes to meet the farmers and the animals.
Wayne Thomson, General Manager of Rural Aid Australia, also expressed his appreciation for the many teams efforts noting that the funds would have a significant impact on farmers lives.