SomethingToDo2

A desperate mum put out the call on Facebook: her 4-year-old daughter, afflicted with Cerebral Palsy, wanted a bike. “Cleo would dearly love to ride a bike, not get pushed around on a bike, ride it like the other kids,” mum Helen Patterson wrote. “After a little research I found a bike for a little girl with cp, it costs over $2000! Should I sell a kidney?”

No need, her showbiz friends told her. “You should do a concert to fundraise,” said one. “Amazing idea,” said another. There were offers to design posters and market the event, supply sound equipment and volunteer services.

The outpouring of goodwill culminates tonight in Melbourne — a “tiny celebration for a tiny girl who’d love to dance”. Tiny Dancer, at Spencerslive in West Melbourne, will be hosted by Rockwiz funny gal Julia Zemiro. Tripod is on the bill, along with a host of Melbourne musical and theatrical talent — including mum and dad Andrew, both local performers.

“Because of Cleo’s Cerebral Palsy, she requires a custom built specialty bike, and the concert aims to give her this gift, with additional proceeds going to the Kids Plus Foundation,” the donated poster says. “Kids Plus Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that provides an intensive pediatric therapy program and an informal support network for families living in Victoria. Kids Plus Foundation does not receive any government funding, and relies solely on the generous support of the community to provide their services, which are offered at no cost to families.”

Says mum: “Cleo loves to sing and dance ballet and she would love to ride a bike like the other kids… Our generous friends have donated their time to put on a great show to help us buy her one.”

Would you really deny Cleo a bike? Really? Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start.

The details: Tickets are $32 at the door (Spencerslive — 419 Spencer Street, West Melbourne) or $28 online via Moshtix.