DURING COVID-19, nine-year-old Georgia Jontulovic set up a driveway stall selling handmade bookmarks and jewellery to raise money for a cause she felt was important.
It was the Life Changer Christian College in Vanuatu, a school that Georgia had visited on a school excursion.
The school was built by Port Stephens residents Steve and Helen Blake, as part of their ministry.
Seizing an opportunity when she saw the staff at Horizons Golf Club emptying bins, Georgia began a fundraising campaign that transformed into “Cans For Kindness”.
Now, anyone can donate their cans and bottles for Georgia to cash in as she works towards her goal of $10,000.
Georgia’s Mum, Kathryn, told News Of The Area that her daughter agreed to “the commitment required to trade the cans every Sunday for cash [and] the accountability needed by logging in a book near the collection station at Horizons how much money she raised”.
“[She also] received the permission and support needed from community members to encourage [her] dream for a better world, with the belief that she can be the change needed.”
Georgia said; “I feel close to the people in Vanuatu because my Mum has been visiting. Her family [has been] supporting another family on Erakor Island since my Mum was two.”
Georgia has been touring the schools and villages since she was three, taking resources like coloured pencils and paper and noticing the difference in lifestyles because many houses have no electricity or running water and are on wages of less than $3 per hour.
Georgia’s Mum believes the overseas learning experience has “grown Georgia’s heart into wanting to find ways to help and make a difference in vulnerable people’s lives, including those outside of her postcode”.
As an Early Childhood Teacher, Kathryn has witnessed “the effects of children disconnecting from the world around them and being negatively influenced by social media, gaming, computers and phones”.
So, when her child showed empathy and connected to a cause, it made her feel incredibly proud.
With double gloves, lots of antibacterial wipes, and sheer determination, Georgia has currently raised $176.20 from 1762 bottles since starting her campaign in March 2025.
Recyclable bottles and cans for Georgia can be dropped off at Horizons Golf Club.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
