Pyjama-clad pupils give cash

By Sarah Schwager
CHILDREN and parents at a Cranbourne North preschool have put their fundraising efforts into a cause besides their own centre, donating money to a preschool in East Timor.
Staff at Woodbine Road Preschool presented a $1000 cheque to the Friends of Ermera last Thursday to pass on to their sponsorship preschool in Gleno, East Timor.
Judith Kierce, Woodbine Road Preschool’s director, said the money would help solve a drainage issue.
“Malaria and other diseases are considered such a threat and the preschool only has one working toilet,” Ms Kierce said. “The reality is that our children attend preschool in such a different environment. We are so fortunate that our children have these facilities that we take for granted.”
Felix de Jesus Martins, a teacher from Ponilala, East Timor, and Friends of Ermera president Jan Trezise visited the preschool for their annual end-of-term Pyjama Day.
In the previous three years, Woodbine Road Preschool has raised more than $3000 to support the Gleno preschool.
Ms Kierce said she planned to visit the Gleno preschool in the September holidays.