By Natasha Fujimoto
ASCENDING high over the city of Greater Shepparton, at approximately dessert-o’clock, the bat signal was sent up in a call for joyous relief, sugar and fun. Children at the McIntosh Relief Centre gathered in anticipation of the Caped Crusader and the chocolate bounty they knew he was sure to bring.
With weary parents, selfless volunteers and brave ADF soldiers looking on, children needing a much-needed reprieve from the impact of floods were elated when out of the shadows strode…The Bat Man!
Carrying donated chocolates, lollies, books and pencils, The Bat Man dispersed the vital supplies to one and all, bringing smiles and sugar rushes before bedtime.
It was just what the brave kids needed after enduring a trying few days and nights being displaced from the security and comfort of their family homes.
The Bat Man was even able to supply pooches and pussy cats with treats, thanks to the kind generosity of GV Vets.
With assistance from the big-hearted folk at Big W and Officeworks, The Bat Man will make his continual return to the children of the McIntosh Centre and to Deakin Reserve as well, until all homes are high and dry and safe to return to.
Famed, generous and heroic though he is, (he even appeared on Channel Nine’s Today Show last Tuesday, October 18), The Bat Man cannot continue to carry out his important work alone.
Further donations of sweets and treats are required and would be enormously appreciated from anyone in the community who would like to help flood impacted children smile through adversity, now and in coming weeks.
Long-time youth worker and local resident, Peter Bonnes (AKA The Bat Man) can be reached via The Bat Man Facebook page.
