After the photos emerged of drowned Syrian children washed up on the shores of Turkey,
local business woman and mother of two young boys Charlotte Rees was driven to take
action.
Mrs Rees, owner of Healthy Treats by Mrs Rees and mother of two young boys, is now
running an online auction ‘Raffle for Refugees’.
Since its inception she has received over 50 donations from Tasmanian businesses and
individuals, totalling over $4000 in prize value.
“Initially I thought I’d just run a raffle with some of my own products,” said Mrs Rees.
“However, I mentioned it on Facebook and the result is the donation of a huge variety
of goods and services, ranging from a $30 candle, to two nights’ accommodation on the East
Coast worth $460,” she said.
Mrs Rees has always seen herself as a concerned and compassionate community member,
but felt that signing petitions and writing to politicians just wasn’t enough in the face of such
horrors.
“I think in this beautiful and safe part of the world, it is easy stick your head in the
sand, as I have done in the past,” she said.
“No more. This should not be happening. Those boys were similar ages to mine, and
I thought: What if I had been born in Syria? Who would help my boys?”
“We need to do anything we can to help, and so here I am, doing what I can,” she
said.
Ticket sales opened yesterday, and will be available until Wednesday 30 September from
www.rafflelink.com.au/r4rtas. Proceeds are being directed to Save the Children.
Farm Gate Market will also be supporting the cause, and you can purchase tickets online at
a stall on Sunday 20th September.
Bonnie Tuttle
