A little music and a message of peace will come together in concert later this month to help raise funds for Kiama toddler Dexter Heffernan.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Illawarra members of community groups the Peace Angels and the Music Makers have organised An Inspiration for Peace fund-raising concert to raise the money needed for the little boy to attend an innovative new therapy program.
Dexter has had a tough start to life: he has cerebral palsy, brain damage and vision impairment and last year he also battled – and overcame – liver cancer.
Parents Lenice and Andrew have been overwhelmed by the community support they have received, and are excited about the August 31 concert at Wollongong Town Hall.
‘‘It’s really special that the organisers thought of us,’’ Mrs Heffernan said.
‘‘We’re on the waiting list for an intensive therapy program from the US, which is now available in Melbourne and the funds raised will pay for it.
‘‘Our hope is that these short, intensive sessions will have some major long-term effects – that they will help Dexter sit on his own for the first time and also get him walking on his own, with the help of a walking aid.’’
Concert producer Jane Hardy said she was inspired by her work as a volunteer Peace Angel to create an event that would inspire peace through performance.
Lenice and Dexter with Peace Angel Jane Hardy.Melissa Tierney, director of the Music Makers – a Disability Trust program that teaches disabled children and adults how to dance, sing and play instruments – also came on board.
The organisers hope to raise $15,000 from the event – with 80 per cent to go to Dexter, and 10 per cent each to the Peace Angels and Music Makers to continue their work.
‘‘Peace Angels is a not-for-profit peace project and I wanted to organise a concert firstly to raise awareness of International Day of Peace on September 21, and also to inspire peace in the community,’’ Ms Hardy said.
‘‘When I was creating the event I saw Dexter on the news and I thought he would be the perfect person to raise funds for – to support him in his growth and development and bring a little peace to his parents.’’
The Peace Angels and Music Makers will perform at the concert along with Cinnamon Twist belly dance troupe and performers Gayatri K and Rob Sampson.
Tickets for the concert can be purchased at Wollongong Town Hall box office on 4227 5088 or www.wollongongtownhall.com.
