Caitlin Ferguson receives her award for raising $1000 from Jump Rope for Heart Victorian manager Mary-Lou Fischer.
By Callan Date
NARRE Warren youngster Caitlin Ferguson skipped her way into the hearts of many locals on Monday.
The 10-year-old raised $1000 as part of the Jump Rope for Heart fund-raising activity and was thanked for her efforts at a special assembly at Narre Warren North Primary School.
Hours of door knocking on local businesses and households throughout the area with her mother Wendy paid dividends for Caitlin and the Heart Foundation.
“I don’t mind walking around collecting as it might save someone’s life,” Caitlin said.
The grade 4 student collected the money over three weeks and was thankful for the support shown by everyone who sponsored her.
Narre Warren North teacher and school Jump Rope for Heart coordinator Alan Campbell said all of the students enjoyed getting fit and learning new skipping skills through the program.
“The children have also enjoyed raising money for the Heart Foundation and people with heart disease. Caitlin has been especially enthusiastic about raising money so it’s great she has received recognition for her efforts,” Mr Campbell said.
The program is designed to benefit the participants through exercise and also by creating awareness of the killer disease.
Jump Rope for Heart Victorian manager Mary-Lou Fischer said the teachers and students at Narre Warren North Primary School had done a fantastic job in raising money to support medical research into heart disease.
“In particular, we applaud the outstanding efforts of Caitlin and her family for reaching this remarkable target,” Ms Fischer said.
She said the program was made even more important by the fact that one in five Australian children is overweight or obese.
“Jump Rope for Heart is a fun, interactive program that teaches children about the importance of being active, a key factor for heart health and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight,” she said.
