EIGHT-year-old Elenore Lawrence has turned kindness into action, raising funds for Dolly’s Dream with a bright-blue raffle and three Saturdays of community outreach in Dungog.
With the help of her mum, Bree, and her grandmother Maree – owner of Hidden Valley Clothing – Elenore curated a $300 raffle prize where every item was blue, a nod to Dolly Everett’s favourite colour.
Over three weekends, she set up a table with take-home handouts and colouring sheets about bullying and online safety, sparking conversations with both kids and adults.
Seventy raffle tickets later, Elenore had raised $340.
This marks Elenore’s fifth year fundraising for Dolly’s Dream, the national movement established in memory of 14-year-old Dolly Everett to prevent bullying and cyberbullying through education and support.
When asked why she does it every year, Elenore is clear and heartfelt.
“Dolly was a girl who was bullied, and we want to stop bullying, because it’s not very nice,” Elenore said.
“Bullies are meanies. I was bullied a little bit and I told the teacher. Last year, my friend was getting bullied so I rang her mum and told her, because my friend didn’t want to say anything.”
Every dollar Elenore raises goes directly to Dolly’s Dream to help deliver prevention programs and response strategies for young people, families, schools and communities.
Hidden Valley Clothing has also joined the effort by stocking BAXTER brand cowboy boots and donating $25 from every pair sold to Dolly’s Dream.
The store has also introduced the Kids Dolly’s Dream Boots, giving families another meaningful way to support the cause while helping spread the message of kindness to the next generation.
For the Lawrences, fundraising is a year-round mindset.
“We can get to the end of January and Elenore is asking, ‘What are we going to do this year for Dolly’s Day?'” Bree laughs.
Elenore is already planning for 2027, aiming to sell 180 raffle tickets and dreaming up even more blue-themed fund-raising ideas.
If her past five years are any guide, next year will be bigger, bluer and kinder – exactly the future Dolly’s Dream stands for.
To learn more about Dolly’s Dream or get involved, visit the official Do It For Dolly Day fundraising pages.
By Tracey BENNETT
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