Wiggles bring smiles to flood-affected families
Wiggles bring smiles to flood-affected families
30 November 2022
Dorothy the Dinosaur takes centre stage at the packed concert for flood-affected families in Lismore.
The Wiggles performed three sold-out concerts for flood-affected residents in northern NSW on 18 November.
“As well as a great show, the children got to high-five their favourite Wiggle,” said Captain Philip Sutcliffe, Northern Rivers Corps Officer. “At the end of the day, there were lots of smiling faces.”
Captain Philip Sutcliffe (left) backstage with two performers at the concert.
Families were so thankful that The Wiggles came to town, according to Philip. He said it was a highlight for them, as they were able to put aside their difficulties, enjoy time as a family and just have a lot of fun in the midst of recovering from a series of devastating local floods this year.
Through the Salvos’ work with flood-affected residents, they knew that young children were struggling to process what had happened. After a series of conversations, the Salvos national media team contacted The Wiggles, who readily agreed to support the community and local Salvos Christmas Appeal.
The Wiggles had just one day free in the midst of their sold-out national tour, but at their own cost, brought their show to Lismore. The local council provided the venue, which meant the concerts were free to residents.
A young fan gets a high-five from a performer at the Lismore concert.
Initially, The Wiggles agreed to perform two one-hour concerts, but the demand was so high they decided to do a third. “The 1000 tickets for the first two concerts sold out in two minutes!” Philip said. “We knew they have such reach and connection with Australian families, but the response was massive.”
Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said, “We were all devastated to see the challenges everyone in Lismore has been experiencing due to the recent flooding and wanted to do something to help lift people’s spirits. We’re proud to partner with the Salvos to bring some fun and entertainment back to the Northern Rivers.”
Philip said that The Wiggles team showed a strong interest in the work of the Salvos. He was able to explain what they do and the assistance provided in the lead-up to Christmas. Philip explained that The Salvation Army was more than a social organisation, a message he constantly tried to deliver. The Today Show also supported the Salvo Christmas appeal in the lead-up to the Wiggles concerts with a live cross from the Lismore Corps building.
“We are here for the long haul, supporting the community as they rebuild, which means that Christmas this year will be more important than ever,” Philip said. “It was so nice to be part of such a strong collaborative effort to bring hope and joy to so many locals in the lead-up to Christmas.
“We are so glad to be a part of something so significant for our community.”
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