Koala Kids' Fundraiser Helps Animals Hurt In Australia Fires

RIVERHEAD, NY — Children at the Bright & Early Discoveries Child Care Center in Riverhead will learn at an early age about giving back: They're putting their hands and hearts together to make Koala Pendant bracelets to raise money and help the animals injured in the Australia bush fires.

On Wednesday, for the first time, the little ones began to create the bracelets.

According to CNN, 28 people have died and nearly 20 million acres have burned across Australia. And a report by ecologist Christopher Dickman of the University of Sydney indicated that the total number of animals affected could be as high as 1 billion.

And while monetary donations are pouring in to Australia from celebrities and regular folks across the world, crafters also came together to help.

Even the littlest children at the preschool were excited to get involved, said Jen LaMaina, director of Bright & Early Discoveries.

"This week we will begin working with our children on the 'Koala Kids' project, a 4-week project designed to teach our children that you are never too young to make a positive impact," she said. "Children love to help, especially hurting animals. Ms. Doree's class will encompass koalas and other animals of Australia, the dangers of fire, and how animal rescue works."

Doree Cohen is a volunteer at Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in East Quogue; she has been with Bright & Early Discoveries for three years teaching wildlife education and preservation.

"It's the perfect setting to get the children to understand the situation in Australia and how they can help," Cohen said. "They can be rescuers, too, by helping to make these bracelets to make money. And the children are thrilled to do that. They're just compassionate and caring naturally. There's so much to learn from them."

Koala pendant bracelets will be designed by children at the day care and sold at locations throughout the North Fork, including Goldberg's Famous Bagels in Mattituck and Jamesport, Peconic Cellar Doors in Peconic, Lucharitos in Aquebogue, Fitness Advantage in Southold and the Southold Pharmacy."We will draw up a simple business plan with Mr. Marc (LaMaina) and raise as much money as we can — a cool project with an amazing purpose. Here come the Koala Kids!" LaMaina said.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie.

LaMaina, Jen's husband — he is also the owner of Lucharitos — is a familiar face at the day care.

When asked why the new fundraiser as conceived, Jen LaMaina said: "We wanted to give the children an opportunity to help animals that need all the help they can get right now. We are blessed to have this school full of little children with enormous hearts. After today's initial Koala Kids class they all jumped at the opportunity to create these koala bracelets. They want to help. That empathy is something we want to embrace and by empowering these children in their early years, they are strengthening their commitment to community and giving back."

For additional information, email bedchildcare@gmail.com