20 February 2020

Macduff Primary School pupils' fundraising praised by Australian politician

Macduff Primary School pupils’ efforts to raise money for Australian charities that care for wildlife affected by the bushfires has been commended by a politician.

Pupils in P3S decided to raise money for Friends of the Koala Incorporated who provide care and rehabilitation for koalas, including some of those injured in the recent bush fires, and for WIRES wildlife rescue.

The pupils encouraged their peers to dress up as an animal and led an assembly that paid tribute to volunteers and firefighters helping wildlife. The fundraising efforts were led by class teacher Lauren Scott, who is Australian but has relocated to Aberdeenshire to teach.

News of the Banffshire school’s fundraising efforts reached the other side of the world as Australian MP Janelle Saffin praised their generosity in an interview with a local newspaper.

Speaking to The Echo she said: “This beautiful gesture from our friends at Macduff Primary School in Scotland will be greatly appreciated not only by Friends of the Koala but also the wider community in the Lismore area.”

Ms Saffin has matched the pupils’ donation along with Ms Scott’s friend Jessica Brennan. The pupils raised £833.36 and with the pledges from Ms Saffin and Ms Brennan, the total is £1,287.52.

Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “The bushfires in Australia clearly have had a devastating impact not only for those who have sadly lost their lives, had their homes and livelihood destroyed but also many animals who have been hurt or killed in these horrendous fires.

“It is therefore really pleasing to hear that pupils in Macduff have worked together to ensure that some good comes out of this tragedy. Well done to everyone in class P3S and their teacher Lauren Scott.”

Committee vice-chair, Cllr Rosemary Bruce, said: “Schools play an important role in educating our children and young people to be good citizens. This is a wonderful illustration of how this is achieved.

“I am delighted that their fundraising has been recognised and I hope there will be a lasting bond between Macduff and Lismore. The pupils involved are excellent ambassadors for Aberdeenshire.”

The current bushfires began in June 2019 and a state of emergency was declared in November. As of January, 18.6 million hectares have been destroyed, nearly 3,000 homes damaged, and 34 people have been killed. It is estimated that one billion animals have been killed with some endangered species made extinct.