Liam McNally
Happy Feet Early Learning Centre, Melton, has spent the week supporting one of their pupils and raising money for the March 26 Purple Day epilepsy fundraiser.
Jackson, who attends the kindergarten has epilepsy as a symptom of a rare genetic condition, and has at times had up to 17 seizures a day.
To show support for Jackson, Happy Feet spent the week following Purple Day doing a bake-sale fundraiser.
Students, teachers, and parents spent the week making all manner of muffins, rum balls, slices, cookies, brownies and more, which were then offered for sale to parents at pick up time.
Proceeds from the sale were then donated to the Epilepsy Foundation.
Happy Feet early childhood educator Anne Lamont said the kids were “really excited” about the fundraiser.
“We sat down and spoke about purple day and why we’re doing it… and they got really involved and loved it because they love Jackson,” she said.
“To be part of it is awesome and to see that things might get better with money and awareness.”
Jackson’s mum, Kate Brown, said Happy Feet have shown “amazing” support towards Jackson.
“Throughout not only his diagnosis but their ongoing support and willingness to adapt to Jackson’s epilepsy has just been fantastic,” she said.
“Jackson’s been going there since he was 9 months old, they’ve seen him go through peaks and troughs… his whole diagnosis and learning with me the entire time.
“It’s great that Happy Feet are willing to raise awareness, and the generosity of every parent and every family… It makes a huge difference to families like ours.”
Details: fundraising.epilepsyfoundation.org.au/event/purple
