Emerson Drady has exceeded her own expectations and smashed her initial fundraising goal when she raised over $8000 for children’s charity Wings4Kidz on the weekend.
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As each flight costs around $1000, Ms Drady’s efforts will help approximately 10 families living in regional areas receive medical treatment in metropolitan hospitals.
Ms Drady’s target was to raise $6000 through a fundraising head shave, but months of hard work and generous community donations helped her raise a total of $8791.10, for the not-for-profit organisation that provides free flight services for children in regional communities.
Days before the fundraiser Ms Drady reached her goal and raised over $6000, but said she would continue with the head shave that Sunday in the hopes of raising even more funds.
Ms Drady was lost for words when Fairfax Media spoke to her on Tuesday.
Upon seeing her new hair-do, Ms Emerson said it was "different” and her first thought was “oh my god!”, but she said she has since gotten used to it.
She said about $1300 was raised on the day through donations and raffles.
Ms Drady’s young cousin Sarah, who lives in Mudgee, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Wilms tumour in July 2016 and has accessed the Wings4Kidz so that she can receive treatment in Newcastle.
Sarah and her family were at the head shave fundraiser on Sunday, which was held at the Garden Hotel.
Wings4Kidz pilot Kevin Robinson was also in attendance.
“It was really nice yo meet Kevin and his family,” Emerson said.
“There were also families from Narromine and Mudgee who use Wings4Kidz.”
Wings4Kidz pilot Kevin Robinson said it was so rewarding to see people come down and help.
“You see the best of people and the community with events like this. You also get to meet people like Emerson who just want to help… it’s golden,” Mr Robinson said.
As each flight costs around $1000, Mr Robinson said Ms Drady’s fundraiser will help approximately 10 families access medical treatment in metropolitan areas.
Mr Robinson said Ms Drady was now thinking of joining up to the 2017 Late Mail Postie Ride, which sees participants ride over 1000 kilometres on a postie bike for a week with the aim of raising money for Wings4Kidz.
“We’re still looking for more riders… we’ve got about 30 people signed up but we’d love to get about 50,” Mr Robinson said.
If you would like to donate or find out more information on Wings4Kidz please visit wings4kidz.org.au