Hinterland businesses have joined together to raise desperately-needed funds to support the plight of koalas in the wild.
The team at Big Heart Bamboo in the community of Belli recently raised $730 through sales for the Queensland Koala Crusaders, a Noosa-based organisation that provides a voice for koalas.
From every jar of their award-winning chutney, relish and pickle sold, Big Heart Bamboo has donated a portion to the Koala Crusaders, who are dedicated to re-establishing koala habitat and educating on the plight of koalas.
In a generous gesture, Bendigo Community Bank Cooroy branch has matched that amount, making a total of $1460 for the cause.
Donations made to the Queensland Koala Crusaders directly fund rescue operations, rehabilitation facilities, release programs, and public awareness.
Big Heart Bamboo founder Becky Dart: “We like doing stuff that feels good, and being a helping our native wildlife is no exception.
“Big Heart Bamboo aims to be a voice for authentic sustainability, and part of that is contributing to the local economy and supporting those that help to sustain our natural environment, groups such as the Koala Crusaders.
“Wherever possible, we buy from local spray-free farmers so that our ethos aligns with eco-friendly, organic and locally-grown.
“We are grateful for the QKC and we love supporting them.”
Bendigo Bank’s Cooroy branch manager Steve Clarke shares Becky’s sentiments.
“When we were provided the opportunity to match Big Heart Bamboo’s commitment towards this very worthy cause, we were very happy to get involved.
“The Bendigo Community Bank reinvests 80 percent of our profits back into our local community.
“This donation, along with the more than $4million committed to date by the Cooroy, Tewantin and Marcoola branches, is not possible without the support of our local residents and businesses who trust us with their deposits, investments and mortgages.”
Queensland Koala Crusaders president Linda Barnes expressed her thoughts on the gesture.
“Queensland Koala Crusaders works across the state with citizens, governments and the koala conservation community to stop the slide of this treasured species toward extinction.
“Through our three-pronged program of advocacy, habitat creation and care for carers, we put our efforts toward all of these initiatives to help koalas survive and thrive.
“Thanks to Big Heart Bamboo, who works tirelessly to create bamboo delicacies in small batches, our work has just become easier. Their generous donation, but more importantly, their dedication and passion for what they do has been a huge inspiration to QKC.
“We look forward to more collaborations with them in days to come.”
In friendship with the Queensland Koala Crusaders, Big Heart Bamboo is proud to be spreading the word about the importance of koala conservation and fostering a sense of community responsibility for these iconic creatures.
For Becky Dart, she says the love put into their work at Big Heart Bamboo is evident at every stop.
“From the harvest to the jar, all steps of our bamboo processing are done with utmost care for the shoots, all the way through to the end product, which lands in your kitchen.
“All stages of production are handled by staff who love plants, animals and the environment. This is why we will continue to raise funds for the Koala Crusaders through the sales of our products throughout 2024 and beyond.”
To take action and help the Queensland Koala Crusaders, visit www.koalacrusaders.org.au
Visit the bamboo with big hearts at www.bigheartbamboo.com
