Following the devastating floods last month, Living Gems Toowoomba resident and retired farmer, Terry Arnold, approached the Home Owners Committee with a wonderful initiative. He asked the Committee if he could perform at Friday night’s happy hour to raise money for the Salvation Army Flood Appeal.

Terry’s proposal was welcomed with open arms, and his entertainment was scheduled for that very evening. A lovely surprise for all those at happy hour, Terry took to the stage toward the end of the evening to perform a repertoire of hits, from the Bee Gees and Neil Diamond to Johnny O’Keefe and much, much more.

GOLDEN OLDIE HITS MAKE HAPPY HOUR EVEN HAPPIER

Taking a number of song requests, Terry also gifted copies of his CDs in exchange for a donation. A popular entertainer at Living Gems and in the local Toowoomba community, it wasn’t long before Terry had the room tapping their toes, singing along and getting up to dance.

Being a last-minute gig, many of the residents didn’t have cash with them to donate to the appeal, but were able to do so the next, which they very generously did, to the tune of $1,000.

PROUDLY COLLECTING MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED

On behalf of the Living Gems local community and the Home Owners Committee, Herman Ruyters presented the cheque to the Toowoomba Salvation Army captains the very next day (pictured above).

“We chose to give our flood donation to the local Salvation Army because their admin fees are virtually non-existent, and we knew that more of the money we’d raise would go to those in need,” said Herman.

Living Gems Tooowoomba organise up to for fundraising events each year, taking collections for a range of local community initatives.