General News
22 March, 2023
Kinder kids raise funds after break-in
SOME of Mortlake’s smallest residents showcased the biggest community spirit this month, raising funds in support of the Mortlake Swimming Pool after a recent break-in.
SOME of Mortlake’s smallest residents showcased the biggest community spirit this month, raising funds in support of the Mortlake Swimming Pool after a recent break-in.
The community was rattled after a break-in at the pool in February which resulted in damage to the facility and the theft of donation tins and personal computers of a staff member.
But the low act brought out the best in the community as donations and messages of support began to flow.
Among those to offer support was children at the Mortlake Kindergarten, aged between three and five, who brainstormed a hands-on fundraising concept.
Mortlake Kindergarten education leader Jane Gough said the break-in was discussed with the children, who wanted to do something to give back.
“The fundraising was something we wanted the children to be involved in as a learning experience for them, and the message was we all live in a small community and it’s important we feel connected and belonging to that community,” she said.
“The community has always supported our kindergarten so generously, and this was an opportunity for the children to do something positive for others.
“So the children made multiple batches of playdough along with thank you notes.
“They then distributed the bags to businesses who were kind enough to sell the playdough for us.”
The bags of multicoloured playdough were sold at Mortlake Post Office, Clarke’s Café, Mortlake Pharmacy and Bates IGA for $2 each.
“The bags sold out rapidly, to such a point we could have easily made more, but the children had exhausted themselves making so much playdough,” Ms Gough said.
“We had such an overwhelming response from everyone, who were so grateful we were doing this.”
The children raised $162 through the fundraising initiative, which the children proudly presented to Mortlake Swimming Pool lifeguards Sarah and Caitlin during a visit last week.
“The children are very aware the impact the break-in had on the pool, and through their empathy they knew the impact was significant,” she said.
“So they feel like they have done something.
“They’re proud of their efforts, aware of what they’ve done, and it was a wonderful finale for the children to hand the money over and speak to Caitlin and Sarah about how the funds will be used and how much it means.”
Ms Gough said Mortlake Swimming Pool was a vital community asset which many of the children used to learn to swim, connect with friends and family and beat the heat in summer.
“It was a very worthy cause for us to be involved in,” she said.
“Part of my role as an early childhood teacher is to support the children in becoming aware that they belong to part of a community, not just the family.
“We often do a lot outside in the community to support the children in that, so this was a wonderful opportunity to have an age-appropriate discussion and involvement.”
