A Buninyong family is working together to make and decorate wooden Christmas trees for sale, with all funds raised being donated to women and children who are struggling in Ballarat.
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Lucy Baldwin, 14, completed a school project requiring the creation of a business plan to donate funds to a cause and combined that experience with her enjoyment of woodworking and trade subjects.
Dad Ned Baldwin said he had some wood at home and Lucy asked if it could be used to make the Christmas trees she had designed for her project at school.
We are working as a family and being creative, but ultimately giving back to the community in a way we can.
- Emma Baldwin
Mum Emma Baldwin said the idea turned into a family project to raise money for other families at Christmas.
"It is about us at this point in time showing community spirit to help others," she said.
"We are working as a family and being creative, but ultimately giving back to the community in a way we can."
The family, including Lucy's siblings Millie, 12, and Billy, 8, are making 30 Christmas trees which will be ready for sale next week.
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Mr Baldwin said there had been lots of interest in the project from family and friends and it was likely all trees would sell quickly.
Mr Baldwin said the family planned to make this a yearly project and would aim to produce hundreds of trees for sale next year by starting work mid-year.
"Next year we will go to businesses to ask for a helping hand with materials so we can make more and donate more money to people in need at Christmas," Mr Baldwin said.
"As parents we are proud of the kids and Lucy in particular who followed through on her school project and is now able to see it in action," Ms Baldwin said.
"It is nice to see the kids want to jump in and help out."
The family expects to raise $1000 which will be donated to the Salvation Army mothers and children program.
Salvation Army team leader mother's emergency accommodation Sonia Le Fevre said the donation would be used to purchase vouchers for school holiday activities, like a trip to the movies, the wildlife park or the pool.
"A day at the movies or a day at the pool with the children seems quite normal and an accessible activity for most families but it isn't for ours because of the cost," she said.
"It can add up when you have three or four kids."
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