East Gippslanders have been encouraged to get behind “Do it for Dolly” day on May 10.

It is a day that aims to get the community talking about the effects of bullying, to change behaviours, to support those who are impacted by bullying and to act as a national day of community fundraising.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull has commended the initiative of local business owner, Carlee Knight, who has been delivering the Dolly’s Dream message since 2018.

Amy “Dolly” Everett took her life after prolonged bullying. Her parents Tick and Kate put their grief aside to set up Dolly’s Dream, an organisation devoted to the prevention of bullying and offering support to the victims of bullying. 

 “I was pleased to be at the launch of Carlee’s fundraising campaign last February which has now raised over $100,000 for Dolly’s Dream,” Mr Bull said.

“She has given wonderful support for Dolly’s Dream and I am pleased to support this new initiative to promote the “Do it for Dolly” day on May 10th. 

Carlee is encouraging others to get behind Dolly’s Dream and hopes they will go one step further and organise their own events and fundraising for May 10th. 

“It would be awesome to see businesses with the ‘Bairnsdale Bands Together’ promotional poster in their windows, wearing blue, and raising funds for Dolly’s Dream, Carlee said. 

“There is a list of ideas for workplaces, schools, community groups and sporting teams at bairnsdalehorsecentre.com.au as well as merchandise that can be purchased, which results in a donation to Dolly’s Dream.

“We are going to keep track of all the local events and tally up the fundraising so that we can present the total amount from Bairnsdale. Hopefully this will inspire other communities to work together and do the same in following years.

“People can post images and video of their efforts to social media using the hashtags: #doitfordollyday, #dollysdreamaustralia, #bairnsdalebandstogether so others can see what is being done.”

Carlee Knight can be contacted on 0408576315 for more information on how to be involved with the “Do it for Dolly” day.

Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull, is encouraging people to participate in the “Do it for Dolly” day on 10th. May.