By Peter Douglas
WHEN it comes to fund-raising, Emerald mother Cherylee Studham didn’t realise the level of passion her daughter possessed.
Tahlia Studham, 13, first approached her mother about holding a fund-raising event for the Cancer Council in November last year.
Cherylee’s response was “what a nice idea, love” and she put the notion in the back of her mind.
However, in December, when dates had not yet been discussed, Tahlia became quite upset and further pressed her mother.
In addition, Tahlia began to write letters to local retailers in Emerald and was persistent in seeking support, often visiting them multiple times to ensure the manager had read her letter.
The result was a breast cancer fund-raiser held last Saturday 23 January, which raised an incredible $1207 on the day, with online donations hitting the $200 mark.
Cherylee said she was exceptionally proud of her daughter’s efforts.
“It’s just the sort of person she is, she just likes to help people,” she said.
“She’s known people with breast cancer, which is why she chose that cause, but she just wants to help others.”
She said Tahlia simply wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
“Tahlia would take the letter into the shop and make sure it was read, she was very persistent,” she said.
“She received donations from pretty much all the shops she approached.
“What a wonderful community we live in.”
Tahlia and Cherylee were able to organise 50 guests for their home fund-raiser.
The attendees paid a $10 entry fee, though many contributed more.
Tahlia had organised the food and drinks, as well as the raffles and a game of ‘guess the number of jellybeans’.
Tahlia said the funds raised wouldn’t have been possible without the Emerald business community.
If anyone is interested, donations can still be made at http://vic.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/tStudham.
