A MINI-carnival made its way onto the grounds of St Mary’s Primary School, Newborough last Sunday, when the community rallied around five year-old Harmony Hoskin.
More than 200 cars and bikes polished off a $6501 fundraiser, which will go directly into supporting Harmon’s recovery from a sudden stroke she experienced in February.
Her parents, Shanay and Michael, said they could not be more grateful for the show of support their daughter’s school had given them.
“The way everyone has come together; it’s amazing,” Ms Hoskin said.
Friends of Harmony organisers Barbara Gatt and Natasha Hoekstra organised the Car Show for Harmony with the help of Gippsland Motors Car Club members.
In their month-long effort more than 100 Latrobe Valley businesses donated to the cause, with an abundance of goods now available for online auctions.
“We were overwhelmed by the generosity of people and everything that happened, it was just unbelievable,” Ms Gatt said.
Everyday, Harmony travels to Latrobe Regional Hospital, where she has just begun Botox treatment to rehabilitate the paralysed left side of her body.
Her parents will use the funds to purchase a reliable car and pay for ongoing treatment, including regular trips to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital.
They will also set some money aside for Harmony’s future, satisfied their message that childhood strokes can occur has not fallen on deaf ears.
“I even had people I’ve never even seen come up to me and give their well-wishes,” Ms Hoskin said.
“So many people have said they knew nothing about (childhood strokes), so it’s spreading everywhere.”
About $9000 has now been raised through the car show and the school’s bank account, dedicated to supporting the Hoskin family.
“A big thank you to everyone who came, everyone who helped and everyone who donated,” Ms Gatt said.
Look out for more auctions on the ‘Friends of Harmony’ Facebook page if you’d also like to contribute.
