In November, Wholelife Pharmacy and Healthfoods set up a Kindness Tree allowing everyone in the community to buy a bauble for $2, $5 or $10 in support of local families experiencing financial hardship. By Christmas it was filled to the brim. Each bauble was a simple act of generosity, and together our community raised an incredible $619.
A small bauble, a big impact for local families
It may sound like a small number, but it’s so much more than that. It’s neighbours helping neighbours, quietly and kindly. It’s classmates, little locals and familiar faces we see every day being supported in ways that truly matter. This is what living in Mirboo North means: showing up for each other.
If you donated a bauble, shared a smile, or supported the Kindness Tree in any way, shape or form, we say from the bottom of our hearts – thank you.
Back to School vouchers helping children start the year ready to learn
That spirit of generosity flows directly into practical support for local families. Earlier this month, the Community Foundation distributed 90 ‘Back to School’ vouchers across the six primary schools and the secondary college in our district. Each school ensures the $50 Kmart vouchers go to local families to support the of purchase clothes and materials needed to start the school year.
In total, $4,500 in vouchers were provided, funded through the Financial Hardship Fund and donations from the community such as through the Kindness Tree.
The Back to School program aims to ensure that every child starts the year ready to learn, with the same essentials as their peers – this means books, uniforms, shoes, school-bags, laptops. Originally established 20 years ago by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, the program is now funded directly by the Community Foundation.
The vouchers support students at Thorpdale, Narracan, Mirboo North, Boolarra, Yinnar and Yinnar South Primary Schools, as well as Mirboo North Secondary College.
If you would like to find out more about the Financial Hardship Fund, please visit our website, or send Ruth or Dani an email at info@mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au or drop into Co-space during school hours.