BRINGING JOY TO TIMOR'S KIDS

News Source: Glasshouse Country News, page 8, Thursday 7th October, 2004

Last Tuesday an event at Australia Zoo put in motion a generous act which will bring happiness to children in East Timor – a swag of Crocodile Hunter merchandise, one hundred soccer balls, thirty volleyballs, pens and writing pads began their journey to the children.

Last year Member for Longman Mal Brough visited East Timor and was deeply impacted by the plight of children he saw. Soldiers on the island told him that “…the kids have very little in their lives – no toys or games, not even pencils and paper for school”, so he asked staff at Australia Zoo if there was anything they could do for the children.

The Zoo staff took up the challenge and contacted Fuji, Nike, Caloundra City Council, Novatel Twin Waters resort and Rebel Sport to help put the project together. As a result the sporting goods and merchandise will be shipped to East Timor and distributed by Australian soldiers.