COMMUNITY theatre for a cause, High Country Theatre will raise money to send children in foster care to Disneyland.
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A fundraiser started by Jules Campbell at the Prue and Olive Cafe, the idea aims to bring a smile to small faces.
A fashion parade will be held in August at the markets, along with a high tea run by Trish Stephen from Pastish.
So far, $9000 has been raised by Jules Campbell at her cafe.
”We are so grateful for the people who have given us money,” Ms Campbell said.
“We had a donation of $50, I’ve got no idea who it was.
“Most people just put in 10 or 20 cents, but it all adds up – to $9000 apparently!”
The kids are headed to America in November, where they will stay across the road from the theme park.
This is Ms Campbell’s second time taking foster children to Disneyland, and her 14th visit personally.
“Any additional fundraising is focused on flying the children directly from Armidale and Tamworth to Sydney to catch their flights to the USA, rather than going by train,” she said.
”We’d also like to give them the opportunity to have more experiences within Disneyland, for instance we’d love to take them to a character breakfast.
“I can see the magic of Disney, the impact it has on children and adults.”
Ms Campbell said she met a lady in her 80’s who still remembered her first trip to Disneyland.
“It was a really special moment to see an older member of our community sharing her joy of Disneyland with a young child,” she said.
High Country Theatre long time associate Gordon Cope said it was a fitting mix, as foster care children often experience the kinds of loneliness seen in the play.
“I do think this performance really touches on those issues of bullying and isolation that a lot of kids go through,” he said.
“We see that through the main character Pascal, his friendship with the balloon and, I won’t spoil it, but the events at the end of the play.
“It’s something most people will have experienced at some point in their lives.”
Mr Cope will also narrate the performance.