More than $50,000 has been raised for Noosa humanitarian Oz Bayldon, who recently suffered from a double aneurysm on the brain requiring surgery.
In true Oz fashion, he’s already planning ways to help the community with funds left over from their expenses.
Fundraiser organisers Bob Birkhead and Naomi Todd have been blown away by the response from the community.
Bob said, “When we set out to do the appeal for Oz and his family, a target of $10,000 was set. That was reached in something like 12 hours and the responses just kept coming in.”
“The 472 donations since launch date on 15 September totally reflects the love, admiration and respect for Oz, for both his humanitarian work for those in need, but what he also does to embrace events that enrich our culture.”
A fundraising gig, Hands Together For Oz, was held at the Imperial Hotel Eumundi on Wednesday 3 September.
Musician Darren Griffis said they raised $880.
“Great night, great music. Thanks to everyone who came along,” Darren said.
“Special thanks to Patricia Richards-Scott and her band The Page, John Veloso, Huey, Karen Thomsen and band, and the boys from Jukejoint. Also thanks to Kate Rose for doing the door and singing. Appreciate the support for Oz and we wish him well with the operation next week.”
With his surgery set for 9 September, Oz shared a touching statement online.
“It’s hard to put in words the amount of support me and my family have received in the last few weeks but here goes,” Oz stated.
“I want to take a moment to thank everyone for the incredible love and support I’ve received over the past weeks. I’ve had messages of well wishes from all over the world, and while I may not be a millionaire in money, I am truly richer with the amazing people I have in my life.
“The response has been overwhelming, and although I’ve struggled to keep up with all the communication, please know that every message is hugely appreciated.
“If I’m honest, I’ve struggled and a bit embarrassed by the GoFundMe, but the response has been crazy and truly blown my head off. The financial help on the other side of the operation will be amazing and will definitely lift a weight off our shoulders. It’s given me the chance to focus on getting back on my feet without the financial stress, and I can’t thank you enough for that generosity.”
To give back, Oz has made the decision to work full-time for the community at the Hub, with the funds left over from expenses.
“For the first time in my life, I’ll be able to dedicate myself completely to charity work across the three countries we support and extend what I do in the Noosa community, which I’ve never been able to do in my life,” he said.
“With focus and proper systems in place, I truly believe we can achieve some amazing results.”
Oz is working on several community projects but says full-time work makes them hard to achieve.
Plans include a healing farm for domestic violence survivors, a tech platform to match people with affordable housing, and an elderly housing project inspired by a successful Moreton Bay model.
“Your support makes all this possible. The more we raise, the longer I’ll be able to dedicate myself fully to community work and building the systems and teams to take the help I do to the next level,” he said.
Oz said he hopes to see the community at the Noosa Come Together party on 20–21 September at the Yacht Club from 12pm each day.
“A touch of mortality certainly highlights priorities and the universe knows I still have too much to do, so I’m expecting the best possible outcome,” he said.
