TAMWORTH Regional Livestock Exchange was a sea of blue and a font of generosity today, in memory of 14-year-old Amy “Dolly” Everett, who took her own life after being cyber-bullied.
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Grace Purtle and Issy Burke put out the call for anyone attending the Friday sales to wear blue, as part of a national campaign in support of Dolly, her family and community.
They also ran some fundraising activities, which raised $2500 for #Dollysdreamfoundation – with more pledged.
The girls and their helpers sold blue ribbons and raffle tickets, and an Akubra hat, donated by Tamworth Livestock Selling Agents Association, was also auctioned off first up during the cattle sales.
Chris Paterson Stock & Station Agent had the winning bid of $600.
Grace and Issy are regulars at the Tamworth saleyards with their fathers, agent Patrick Purtle and buyer Tony Burke.
Only one year younger than Dolly, they were keen to raise awareness of the issue.
“We couldn’t imagine if it was someone we knew that this happened to,” Grace said.
“[We also wanted] to let people know that this kind of thing does happen and they’re allowed to speak out about their problems,” Issy said.
Issy said the support had been “very overwhelming”.
The girls wanted to thank their friends and family who helped them make the event a success, as well as their sponsors.
They were Landmark Tamworth, Davidson Cameron and Co, Tamworth regional councillor Russell Webb, Pursegloves Tamworth and Gunnedah, Heidi Burchell of Massage Escape, Tamworth Livestock Selling Agents Association, and AM Printing for a quick turnaround on the merchandise.
