Children’s kit’s a pain in the back for parents
SHARNI the koala is being treated for burns after being caught up in the wildfires devastating Australia.
Efforts to save thousands like her have been boosted by almost £1million donated in the largest fundraising appeal in the country.
Campaigners originally wanted to build drinking areas but 42,000 cash gifts have been received from 90 countries in three weeks.
It is estimated that 1,000 koalas – including 350 types – and other wildlife have died as a million hectares of land was hit by the bushfires. Sharni was found in Crowdy Bay National Park in New South Wales and treated at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Volunteers have been searching for the animals.
The hospital has been overwhelmed with the success of the GoFundMe appeal. Clinical director Cheyne Flanagan said: “That’s the power of the koala throughout the world. It validates how important the conservation of koalas has to be.”
ONE in three parents has a bad back because of lugging around all the kit such as wet wipes for their children.
A poll of 2,000 found 34 per cent had regularly suffered back problems.
Some 11 per cent said they carried 100 or more “essentials” on family days out including wet wipes, snacks, water, juice, medicine, toys, blankets, tissues, clothes, nappies and creams.
Money app Pingit’s study found the average mum or dad carries 42lb – same as a firefighter’s basic kit of helmet, coat, gloves, boots and breathing apparatus.
Parents site blogger AnnaWhitehouse said: “I feel as though I have completed a five-hour gym workout after I have carried around my parenting kit.”
Dad Gary Simpson said: “When I leave the house I’m aware that I look like I’m going on a mountaineering expedition.”