SEA’S THE DAY TO HELP CHARITY
A LOCAL charity is calling for muchneed donations from the community as part of a new fundraiser to assist the growing demand to support atrisk children.
Queenscliff’s Cottage by the Sea’s Giving Day campaign will go live from 10am on Tuesday.
The day hopes to raise funds missed during the COVID-19 pandemic that saw the Cottage cancel major funding events including its beloved annual fair.
“We believe all children and young people should be given opportunities to have fun, be inspired and broaden their horizons — but many don’t have access to those opportunities,” the organisation said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, the effects of 2020 mean there is an even greater number of Australian children considered at risk of poorer health, education and life outcomes.
“There has been an increase in calls to mental health and domestic violence helplines, as well as calls for homelessness assistance in emergency housing — many from children as young as 10 or under.”
Each donation made will be doubled by matching donors.
Proceeds will allow the cottage to assist a growing number of children who are at risk of being socially disengaged.
More information at charidy.com/ cottagebythesea.
A VOLUNTEER who has dedicated more than 20 years to educating Geelong children about the dangers of drugs has been recognised with a national medal.
Newtown’s Andy Sholl was presented on Thursday with a Governor-General’s medal for community service.
For 22 years, Mr Sholl has been chairman of the
Geelong committee at Life Education, an organisation that visits schools to teach students of the risks of taking drugs and alcohol.
The retired school principal said he was proud to be recognised with the surprise award.
“I was amazed,” he said. “It is a great honour.”
Mr Sholl said he believed Life Education had made a “huge” difference in providing young people with a greater awareness surrounding drug and alcohol use.
“What we deliver is a mandated health and drug education program,” he said.
“We see about 11,000 kids a year that we’re getting a message to.
“That’s pretty incredible, really, when you think about what’s going on in society today.
“When we first started, the worst drugs you could take were cigarette smoke and a bit of the white powder.
“But nowadays with ice and all those things, it’s just so important to get the message out to the kids.”
Life Education’s other programs include teaching children about cyber-bullying and how to safeguard themselves on the internet.
“Our programs are very much up to date and a lot of them are delivered electronically now,” Mr Sholl said. “So we move with the times.”