Early on Friday morning, Tim Birnie looked at his reflection, knowing it would be a while before he looked the same again. By 9am Tim was sitting in a hairdresser’s chair at Benalla’s Studio8 with second-year-apprentice, Molly Mathieson, hovering nearby, preparing to alleviate Tim of his much-loved beard. Tim looked a little apprehensive though; “I do love my beard, I take very good care of it. Normally it’s a lot shorter than this and a bit less wild. But still, shaving it all off isn’t that easy.”
You may think this is all a little dramatic for what is a routine thing for many people, but for Tim this particular trim is all about a little boy and the legacy that has been built in his memory. Tim is shaving off his beard to raise money for the Kingston Smith Memorial Fund in memory of his wife’s son Kingston who tragically died in 2014, just shy of his third birthday.
“Remembering Kingston is part of every day for us and his Memorial Fund is very close to our hearts;” explained Madeleine. “Each year we contribute to the fund so that his memory lives on and others can remember him too.”
The Kingston Smith Memorial Fund was established in 2015, by Madeleine and her parents Dianne and Brendan Smith. The Fund is managed by Benalla’s community foundation, Tomorrow Today. Proceeds from the Fund support the education, health and welfare of local young children in need. Over the years it has financed the purchase of early literacy resources, swimming lessons, and creative movement classes among other things.
“It feels really good to know that the money we raise is used to help other children in Benalla. We like to hear how it’s benefiting them;” said Dianne.
Tomorrow Today’s Chief Executive Officer, Jen Jackson explained more; “We think carefully about how to make the best use of this special Fund to honour Kingston’s memory. We’re proud to help his family make a difference for local children who need a little extra support to help them thrive.”
“Our target was $2,000 and we are rapt to have raised more than that with this campaign;” said Tim.
“I want to thank the many people who dug deep to contribute to this cause, I know things are tough for lots of people at the moment so to see this kind of generosity is just incredible.”
“A special thanks to the Benalla Bowls Club who have supported this campaign with raffles and making more people aware of it. The club has made a $500 donation directly to the Fund.”
After the big snip, Tim admired his new look; “Molly did a great job! It feels a bit colder now but I’m sure I’ll get used to it!”
Donations to Tim’s gofundme campaign can be made until 31 August. Visit https://gofund.me/3d3c5534d
Donations to the Kingston Smith Memorial Fund can also be made at anytime click Donate and select Kingston Smith Memorial Fund OR call 03 5762 1211.