Ride on: Mini Nutku prepares for her big fundraiser ride to help Geelong Hospital.
KIM WATERS
WHEN Mimi Nutku was given a community project as a school assignment, the pint-sized philanthropist saw a chance to help a cause close to her heart.
The Curlewis 12-year-old will ride 22 kilometres along Bellarine Rail Trail on Sunday in her fundraiser for Geelong Hospital’s redevelopment of the children’s ward.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in the hospital and the doctors and nurses have taken such good care of me, so I wanted to give something back,” Mimi said.
“I really want to do something to brighten it up more and make the kids happier, maybe buy them some games.”
Mimi said she had set her sights on raising $500 after exceeding her initial fundraising target of $100.
She was “excited and nervous” about her big ride.
“I’m a bit worried I’ll get tired,” she laughed.
“I’ve been practising and training lots and dad and I are going to have a few stops along the way.”
Mimi’s mother, Elisa, said the hospital had diagnosed her daughter with hydrocephelus, a build-up of water inside the skull requiring ongoing monitoring.
“I think it’s great, that she wants to give something back.
“Everyone thinks it’s fantastic and they love her idea because it’s not about fundraising to send her on a ski trip or something, it’s about doing something for someone else.”
Mrs Nutku said Mimi initially planned a ride to Melbourne.
“I said ‘How about we tone it down a bit’ without trying to flatten her dream,” she said.
“We decided on a ride to Geelong Hospital instead because Melbourne was slightly outrageous.”
Ms Nutku said readers could donate to Mimi’s fundraiser at www.everydayhero.com.au/mimi_nutku.
