Media Releases
March 2008
Queensland Scouts launch children’s book to help The Wesley Research Institute
A children’s book, “Betty Bilby Saves Easter”, was recently launched as the first State-wide fundraising initiative of the Scouts Queensland Centenary Project.
To mark the centenary, Scouts Queensland is aiming to raise $1 million to support the work of The Wesley Research Institute.
Every one of the 10,000 Scouts throughout Queensland is aiming to raise $100. Scouts will be selling “Betty Bilby Saves Easter” as an important part of the fundraising effort.
The brilliantly produced picture book is the state’s first truly local Easter adventure and is available in softcover ($14.95) and hardcover ($24.95) from Scouts Queensland (07 3721 5724). A total of 20 per cent from each book sold will be donated to the Scouts Centenary Fund.
“Betty Bilby Saves Easter” was written by Elysa Riedel Edmonston and illustrated by Ron Monnier, both Queenslanders. It tells the story of Bartholomew B. Bunny (alias the Easter Bunny) who is too tired to continue making Easter eggs. Children everywhere pin their hopes on a bilby to save the situation.
Elysa Riedel Edmonston is a former Australia Provincial Newspapers Journalist who has teamed up with Ron Monnier of Time Magazine, Rolling Stone and Bulletin Magazine fame.
According to Scouts Queensland Marketing & Communications Manager, Brad De Luca, “Betty Bilby Saves Easter” will make a wonderful gift for any young child.
“The combination of community service and being more than just a ‘sugar rush’ at Easter makes the book a great idea as the Scouts’ first fundraising initiative for 2008,” he said.
Scouts Queensland’s Centenary Project is a unique commitment aiming to create a permanent, positive reminder of the Scouts’ efforts in 2008. Earnings from the Fund will support medical research projects at The Wesley Research Institute for generations to come.
The Scouts’ strong community service ethic aligns the movement closely with the Institute’s dedication to improving patient care, easing pain and suffering and returning people to their families and communities as quickly as possible through practical, clinical research.
Scouts Queensland Chief Commissioner, Maurice Law AM, said even though 100 years has past, the fundamental aim of the Scouts remains the same.
“The Scouting movement remains relevant to the 21st century through the combination of traditional and contemporary activities. Community service continues to be a central feature of Scouting today and our Centenary Project in support of The Wesley Research Institute is an excellent example of this,” he said.
Professor Julie Campbell AO, Director of The Wesley Research Institute, agrees about the impact the Scouts could make.
“The Institute is unique in its mission to fund research that helps make a difference today. By supporting our research projects, the Scouts join us on our important journey of improving the quality of patients’ lives in the here and now and for decades to come,” she said.
“We are very proud to be the beneficiary of this wonderful initiative.”
For more details about the Scouts Centenary Project, please visit www.centenaryproject.scoutsqld.com.au, or contact Brad De Luca (07 3721 5712), Colleen McMillan (Wesley Research Institute 07 3232 6289), or Author Elysa Riedel Edmonston (0431 834 142)
