April 10, 2018
Young Riley Morgan lives just a few doors down from where a tragic fire claimed three lives in Kingaroy a fortnight ago.
Riley, 11, saw the smoke that Saturday but fortunately didn’t see the flames …
Even so, there has been a real aftermath for the Year 6 Kingaroy State School student.
The tragedy affected Riley in a special way even though he admits he didn’t really know the family.
“I used to see the children out riding their bikes and playing as we drove to school,” Riley told southburnett.com.au on Tuesday.
His mum, Megan, said Riley immediately started going through all his toys – and his sister’s books! – to find things to give to the family.
“Then he stopped and said ‘We should raise some money for them. We should do a raffle!” Megan said.
And with that, Riley and his mum started contacting South Burnett businesses in person and via Facebook seeking donations of raffle prizes.
Their work paid off and Riley now has a pile of prizes to raffle, including a first prize of a tool chest, tools and other items valued at $400.
He has collected 10 prizes in all, valued down to $80.
Riley will be selling raffle tickets on the street outside the Glendon Street Cafe in Kingaroy on Wednesday (April 11) from 10:30am, and in the Shoppingworld Mall on Thursday (April 12) from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Tickets will also be available at Repco in Kingaroy; Jen’s Party Supplies in Gooyong Street, Kingaroy; and at the Maidenwell Hotel.
Tickets are $2 each or three for $5.
Sponsors who have come on board for the Bond Family Fundraiser include: Repco Kingaroy, Star TyrePower, Kingaroy Equipment Sales, Work Stuff Get Real, Hit-FM, Subway, Glendon Street Cafe, Jen’s Party Supplies, Kingaroy Toyworld, Kingaroy Cinema, Maidenwell Hotel, Chris Cross Hair Studio, Musicians Oasis, and Power Your H’art Out. Several individuals have also donated prizes.
Megan said she hoped the raffle would be drawn during morning parade at Kingaroy State School on April 23, but this was yet to be confirmed.
