Doing Poppy Proud: Young Community Champions Raise Money for Local Cancer Care

What began as a simple family getaway at Culburra Beach turned into a heart‑warming act of kindness thanks to two determined nine‑year‑olds, Max Daly and Billy Kotzur.

While watching the Sydney Cricket Test with their families and being inspired by the pink theme for the McGrath Foundation, Max and Billy, suddenly decided they wanted to do something special for our cancer centre. With paper and pens they found in the cabin, the boys created homemade signs, set up a small table, and began asking holidaymakers for donations. Before long, a few of the other kids joined in, turning the pop‑up idea into a team effort.

The group didn’t just wait for people to come to them, they took the initiative to walk around the caravan park, introducing themselves, explaining their cause, and even offering to do small jobs for campers. From taking rubbish to the big bins to lending a helping hand where needed, they worked enthusiastically and proudly.

By the end of the day, the young crew had raised an impressive $230 for local cancer services, an incredible result driven entirely by their own creativity, teamwork, and initiative.

For Max, the cause holds special meaning. His poppy received treatment at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre before he passed away, and giving back has become something of a family tradition. In 2024, Max’s then‑six‑year‑old sister Noa raised an extraordinary $3,860 by bravely cutting off her long hair to support cancer care. For Billy, the fundraiser was equally meaningful, his pop is a proud cancer survivor who “kicked cancer in the butt!”

We are incredibly proud of these young men and their enormous hearts. They came up with the idea themselves, put in the effort, and made a genuine difference.

At only nine-years old, it is a reminder that no matter the age, everyone in our community can play a role in supporting cancer services.