They’ve watched a close relative and family friend battle cancer since August last year. Week after week they’ve seen this person taken to Canberra for treatment, and return, sometimes better, sometimes worse. And they’ve witnessed the effects of financial strain on the family, so they decided they had to do something.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Surprisingly, they’re just six and seven year old girls.
Shea, the elder of the two, who had been to several fund-raising morning teas, talked to her best friend Layla about also doing one.
They’d then give all proceeds to cancer support group Can Assist, which had already been helping the sick relative.
After negotiations with Shea’s parents, a comprehensive business plan was drawn up, which involved the construction of a pop-up stall in the basement of the house, and an undertaking from Shea’s grandmother to bake her famous raspberry and coconut muffins.
Counting down to the big day, tensions escalated, as a colourful sign was requested for the stall, as well as blackboard menus, posters, a proper bench top, and uniforms for the girls.
“If it doesn’t look like a real café nobody will come,” said Shea.
Further goodies were obtained from friends and family, with the final menu including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, home-made lemonade, raisin toast, cookies, and date slices.
After a publicity campaign among friends, families, and neighbours, more than two dozen people turned up to support the cause on a sunny Sunday morning in May.
The girls did an outstanding job of running the stall, ending up with a basement full of satisfied customers, and raising more than $60.
Then, at the May meeting of Yass Can Assist, the girls delighted the fund-raising committee with their story, photos, and cash contribution.
So how did they feel about their venture?
“We loved selling things but the best part was helping people who are sick,” said Shea.
“I liked giving the money to the people because they were so happy,” Layla added.
With the success of their first venture, the girls are keen to do it again, and there are even plans for expansion by advertising on the Yass Can Assist Facebook page next time.
If you’d like to find out how you can support Can Assist, visit: www.canassist.com.au.