By JOLENE OGLE
The sun is shining for Sunshine Butterflies as the local charity comes one step closer to realising its dream.
Founded by Leanne Walsh, whose son was born 13 weeks premature with cerebral palsy, Sunshine Butterflies is designed to create awareness, education and support for families and people with disabilities.
The not-for-profit charity holds weekly classes and support programs, as well as respite for people of all ages with disabilities in their families, but the organisation is desperately seeking a new home.
Leanna dreams of expanding their services to include outdoor programs, and has her eye on a hobby farm in the area.
To make their dream a reality, Sunshine Butterflies needs to raise $100,000 to purchase the property which goes to auction in just a few weeks.
The charity has already received over $35,000 in donations from the local community.
“It is one step closer to reaching the Sunshine Butterflies vision which has been in place for a long time,” Leanne said.
“The benefits of this will be huge, not only for Sunshine Butterflies but the community.”
The hobby farm will combine cutting-edge activities including animal therapy, horticulture, organic growing and environmental conservation that will encourage the continual care of something reliant on the members, such as animals, and develop important life skills such as self-sufficiency.
“The benefits of providing animal-care and horticulture activities will be hugely beneficial to our members,” Leanne said.
“Being in the outdoors and learning about our environment, animals and conservation will not only benefit our members but will assist with the conservation of the Noosa Biosphere.”
Donations can be made by contacting Sunshine Butterflies on 5470 2830 or visit their website www.sunshinebutterflies.com.au.
