NSW residents are jumping at the chance to perform a Random Act of Kindness, with thousands of people taking up Symbio’s new ‘Help Kids in Need Discover a Wild Life’ initiative.
The zoo’s initiative allows residents to convert a Discover NSW voucher into a Symbio Zoo ticket, then donate it to one of five charities: Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, The Starlight Foundation, Variety, Canteen and KidzWish.
For each $25 gift card, Symbio will provide two entry passes, valued at $78.
At press time, the value to the charities was estimated to be a staggering $500,000, proving that, for NSW residents, the joy is in the giving.
“We’re the only business in NSW doing anything like this, in terms of pay it forward,” said Symbio marketing manager Kevin Fallon.
Kevin said the zoo will be absorbing all of the price difference in a bid to allow as many children and families to benefit as possible.
Statewide, the uptake of Discover NSW vouchers has been lacklustre, but the ‘pay it forward’ plan proved instantly popular. In the first week, more than 6000 people acted on the offer.
It sparked hundreds of comments on Facebook, ranging from “fantastic idea” to “I hope it brings a little happiness to some special little people”.
It sure will.
“The opportunity to get up close and to feed the animals is always a win with KidzWish families,” said Renee Hawira, fundraising and events manager at KidzWish.
“We support up to 200 families through our therapy and programs and up to 3000 children yearly with our inclusive events. The Discover NSW initiative will see more kids enjoying their time at Symbio.
“Often places can be crowded and not suitable for our children who have sensory and anxiety issues, but the big open space at Symbio allows these children to explore and have fun at their own pace.”
Last year, KidzWish hosted its first Christmas Party at the Helensburgh zoo and kids loved it.
Renee said: “We had children coming up to us all day, talking about their experience with certain animals, the visit from Santa and how much fun it was to dance with the characters and have their faces painted.”
The Discover a Wild Life scheme will help KidzWish give even more children a chance to attend the 2021 party, Renee said.
“We’ve got a day planned of so much fun, with face painters, children’s entertainment, bubble shows, balloons animals, a visit from Santa and, of course, a toy and goody bag for each child.”
How to donate and help children in need
Log on to symbiozoo.com.au/paydiscoverforward, redeem your unused Discover NSW vouchers, and choose one of five charities to receive a $25 Symbio Zoo Ticket. Your chosen charity will then receive two-entry passes to the wildlife park, valued at $78, and Symbio will be absorb the entirety of the price difference.
