Tutus to work day raises $10,000 for Our Kids

MORE than $10,000 has been raised for children with special needs and chronic illness after health workers, businesses and local clubs joined forces for a tutu fundraiser.

The event, launched by Ballina RSL and Cherry Street Sports Club, encouraged staff and community members to wear tutus to work, with the two clubs donating $10 for every staff member who joined in.

Ballina Shire mayor Sharon Cadwallader also contributed through an online fundraiser, adding a further $2,000.

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said it was a creative way to generate support for the charity.

“So many people across the community, from local businesses, accounting firms, engineers, pre-schools, Zumba classes as well as staff at Lismore Base Hospital are joining in the fun this year,” Battista said.

“It’s such a fun idea that Claire Tyson from Ballina RSL came up with to create ‘A Day for Our Kids’, and it has really taken off with the community embracing it.”

The funds raised will go towards lifesaving paediatric equipment for the children’s ward and special care nursery at Lismore Base Hospital.

Founded in 2001 by Dr Chris Ingall in Lismore, Our Kids has helped hundreds of children across the region and purchased more than $2.8 million worth of paediatric equipment for local hospitals.

“Ballina RSL and Cherry Street Sports have proudly supported Our Kids since its inception,” club chief executive Guy Diven said.

“When the idea for a tutu day was proposed, we knew it was something special.”