The Mufti Day That Earned Big For Youthline Southland

Sometimes a little really does go a long way…

And that was definitely the case for Room 5 at Invercargill’s Middle School who managed to help turn $226 raised from their mufti day into a whopping $1445.

The proceeds went to Youthline Southland and when the pupils told community development manager Liv Cochrane they were sorry they didn’t raise more money, she got to work.

Making a video of herself asking local businesses to either match the children’s efforts or make even the smallest donation, their act of kindness paid off.

“They broke my heart. “I was blown away that these kids felt they could have done more, and it made me want to show them that their simple act of kindness could have a big effect,” Liv said.

Eight local businesses answered her plea, including Kennedy School of Music, Headache Clinic, Little Fire Music, Batch Cafe, Do Hair, James & Anneke, We the Collective and Crunchy Micros.

“I wanted to show them that $226 can multiply when the community gets together,” she said.

Liv said the funds raised by the students and local businesses was really needed in a time when service needs are up and funding is getting tight.

“This money will bring such a great benefit to our community and help us continue to train and recruit volunteers and provide counselling support locally.”

On Friday afternoon Liv went back to Room Five to show them how much money they ended up raising, and there were excited squeals of delight when she showed them the cheque.

“They were so stoked. ”I just hope this inspires them to keep being terrific kids,” she said.

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