By Olivia Schoenauer
The local community dusted off their boots and Akubras for Beaudesert’s homegrown charity, the M&B Memorial Initiative’s bush dance fundraiser.
Held on June 20 at Country Paradise Parklands, the Boot n’ Scoot bush dance raised funds for disadvantaged Nigerian communities.
Around 400 people attended the event, raising $8000 to support the incredible cause.
M&B Memorial Initiative board member Kate Pacey described the evening as “really joyous”.
Founded in Beaudesert, the M&B Memorial Initiative aims to increase access to education, safe water supply, healthcare and help lift vulnerable Nigerian communities out of poverty.
Father Kevin Njoku, the previous priest at St Mary’s Parish in Beaudesert, founded the charity with Michael and Cathy Flynn, following the passing of their mothers.
Named after Maureen Flynn and Beatrice Odochi Njoku, the charity was inspired by the generosity both women showed their local communities.
Maureen Flynn was a beloved long term Beaudesert resident, who Father Kevin forged a friendship with following the death of his own mother after he relocated to Australia from Nigeria.
“It’s rooted and founded in the Beaudesert community,” Kate said on the charity’s beginnings.
The generosity of the Beaudesert community, including fundraising from McAuley College and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, has provided life changing support for the children of Nigeria’s Ajata Primary School.
M&B Memorial Initiative has provided computer literacy programs, school uniforms and supplies to help reduce barriers to education.
The school has grown from 23 students to more than 160, and the initiative has recently introduced educational scholarships.
“M&B’s covered the cost of uniforms and shoes so the kids can actually get to school and identify as part of the school,” Kate said.
The initiative has also aided in improving water supply and supporting access to essential medical care to improve local living standards.
Kate reflected on the importance of building connection and compassion through giving to others, as well as Beaudesert’s ongoing support for the cause.
“Through supporting something like this, you can see beyond yourself and see what’s needed out there.”
