By Luke Voogt
A dedicated group of Lara preschoolers took to the streets with red T-shirts and balloons to raise money for Heart Foundation Tuesday.
Kindergarten teacher Nicole Haustorfer organised the “mini-walk” in memory of her father John “Johno” Spencer, who died of a sudden heart attack in 2015.
“They were all very excited,” she said. “They really got into it.”
Later the kids discussed keeping healthy and supporting local charities, before drawing pictures of Johno.
“It was cute,” Nicole said. “All the pictures came out with little moustaches.”
“We didn’t want to overload them with information – we were just showing the kids how to get on board in their community.”
The youngsters and their parents added an extra $102 for this Saturday’s (25 March) Walk for Johno.
“It wasn’t really about the money,” Nicole said.
“We’re just trying to get as many families on board as we can – everyone knows someone who’s had a heart attack or heart issues.”
Two weeks ago The Indy spoke to Nicole’s sister and Walk for Johno creator Rebekah Spencer, who hoped to smash last year’s mark of $11,000.
Donors had raised $5251 this Tuesday for the walk, which covers 37km from Queenscliff Rail Trail to Eastern Gardens.
“I think it’s amazing what she’s doing,” Nicole said.
“We’re trying to do as much as we can for her.”
Nicole urged locals to visit www.doitforheart.org.au/event/walkforjohno to support the event.
