AN AUTISTIC Buninyong scout is paving his way to the Australian Jamboree, one battery sale at a time.
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Corey Loader is collecting used car batteries for cash to pay for his carer Jack Pitts’ trip to the national event in January.
The 14-year-old has already raised $1600 for his ticket to the two-week adventure camp, but needs to match the amount before the end of the month.
His mother Coral Loader, who initially wanted to accompany Corey, can no longer go to the event due to ill health.
“I have meniere’s (disease), vertigo and chronic fatigue syndrome,” she said.
“Just because (Corey’s) autistic doesn’t mean he can't go to the jamboree.”
Ms Loader started raising awareness of Corey’s cause about two months ago by plastering posters across town and via social media.
A number of Buninyong businesses have been told of Corey’s fundraising mission.
Ms Loader has also shared the news on Ballarat Buy, Swap and Sell.
She said the fundraising exercise was a good learning experience for her son, who is a member of the 1st Wendouree Scout Group.
“This is the alternate way to raise money…instead of mowing lawns,” she said.
An Enfield garage donated 60 batteries to contribute to Corey’s quota.
R&J Batteries in La Trobe Street have also been exchanging the batteries for cash for the family.
“This trip will give Corey some more independence,” Ms Loader said.
About 11 other scouts from Corey’s group will join him on the trip.
The Australian Jamboree is held in New South Wales between January 3 and 13, 2016.
Teams of people will participate in a series of activities, including abseiling, rock climbing and canoeing.
The event is the largest in the Australian scouting calendar and runs once every three years.
More than 12,000 scouts will converge on Cataract Scout Park, near Cataract Lake in New South Wales.
Cataract Park is located about 80km south of Sydney and 30km north of Wollongong.
Scouts can also participate in offsite activities, including tours of Sydney.
Event organisers encourage scouts to fund-raise for their ticket, by either delivering phone books, selling fire wood, washing cars, hosting a book fundraiser or organising a pie or sock drive.
To donate your batteries call Coral on: 0438 187 882.