The serious threat of extinction to the koala population has prompted a number of Port Stephens businesses to get behind the Save the Koala campaign during the month of September.
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Nelson Bay businesses Two Bobs Bakery and Pie Lab have jumped on the campaign by donating funds during September to the Port Stephens Koala sanctuary at One Mile as a tribute to the invaluable work done by volunteer staff.
Two Bobs Bakery owner Rob Daniels said that they would be donating a percentage of sales from their popular country loaf, complete with an image of a koala on the bread, to help care for sick, injured and orphaned koalas.
"We want to give these animals the best opportunity to be returned to the wild, while also supporting research to preserve them for future generations," Mr Daniels said.
"As a kid visiting relatives in Port Macquarie we would often see and hear the koalas during mating season in the areas near the koala hospital. It's a sad thought that our kids and grand-kids may never get an opportunity to see koalas in the wild."
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Mr Daniels said that the team at Two Bobs was happy to support such a worthy cause as the koala sanctuary and hospital in the hope that the koala population has a better chance of survival.
The Pie Lab, a newly opened business by Nelson Bay couple Melissa and Leigh Threlfo along with their three daughters Miah, 15, Izzy, 13 and Lila, 4, will be donating $1 to Port Stephens Koalas for every family pie sold during September.
These pies are complete with a pastry top in the shape of a koala head.
"I have grown up in the Bay [originally from Bobs Farm] and have previously worked in a pie shop while Leigh has worked away. It was always our dream to open up our own pie shop in Nelson Bay, which we did 10 weeks ago," Mrs Threlfo said.
"We have been overwhelmed by the fantastic response we have received from locals, with many complimenting us for selling only freshly made pies, sausage rolls and pasties. Anything left over at the end of the day is donated to the Anglican church to help feed the homeless."
The couple say they are proud to be supporting such a worthwhile community initiative as the Port Stephens Koalas sanctuary and hospital.
"We would like to think it is another way for us to give back to the community which continues to support us."
A number of other Tomaree Peninsula-based businesses will also be donating a portion of their September sales to Port Stephens Koalas. These businesses include: Crest Birubi Beach, Bay Hut Cafe, The Point Restaurant, Essence Cafe, Cheeky Dog, Marina Ice Creamery, The Little Nel, Little Beach Boathouse, Village Grind, Naked Alley, Evviva Cafe & Bar, The Nook Espresso, Nelson Bay Health Foods and The Eatery.
Other ways people can support Save the Koala month are available online at savethekoala.com. To support Port Stephens Koalas and the sanctuary and hospital at One Mile go to portstephenskoalas.com.au.
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