Emma Pritchard
Summah Chellew has always had a big heart.
After being elected as the Captain of Tucabia Public School, the 12-year-old knew she wanted to do something to help her local and surrounding communities.
After brainstorming several ideas, she set a goal of raising $12000 to have five defibrillators distributed throughout Tucabia, Ulmarra, Pillar Valley, Tyndale and Glenugie.
A portable device which uses electricity to restart the heart when a person suffers a cardiac arrest, defibrillators are becoming increasingly accessible throughout Clarence Valley pubs and clubs and popular destinations.
But with so many smaller communities across the region yet to receive one, Summah knew it was the perfect contribution to offer local residents.
Currently, Summah has raised more than $9000 through fundraising efforts and is close to achieving her target.
Describing her local and nearby communities as being very supportive of her cause, Summah revealed many houses she doorknocked while selling raffle tickets have shared a story of a friend or relative who was involved in an incident where a defibrillator was needed, but not available.
“So many people have lost their life because a defibrillator wasn’t around,” she said.
Summah said defibrillators will be placed at the Tucabia Hall and local shop, the Ulmarra Hotel, the Pillar Valley RFS shed, and a currently yet to be confirmed location in Tyndale.
Summah is also encouraging Clarence Valley residents to attend a free community awareness and training day with Anne Rowley from Rapid 1st Aid at the Tucabia Hall at 3pm on November 27.
Attendees will learn how to use a defibrillator and have the opportunity to participate in a Q and A session with Ms Rowley following the demonstration.
“I do not know how to use a defibrillator and I haven’t watched someone else use one before,” Summah revealed, adding she has familiarised herself with the device by watching online presentations.
“But I will participate in the training on the 27th.”
As Summah focuses on raising her final $3000, she confirmed raffle tickets will be available for sale at the community awareness and training day, with the lucky winners to be drawn that afternoon.
“Come and enter for your chance to win one of eight (secret) magnificent prizes available,” she said.
“It all starts at 3pm, and a music night will start at 4pm.
“Come and learn about defibrillators, you could save someone’s life.”
The Clarence Valley Independent will notify our readers once a defibrillator location in Tyndale has been confirmed.