By Mitchell Clarke
A talented young artist has already spread some Christmas cheer after the art he created during lockdown was auctioned off in a charity exhibition.
Beaconhills College student Vidusha Kodagoda celebrated his 10th birthday a little differently to most children his age.
Rather than receiving presents, the Year 4 Berwick campus student instead put his extraordinary artistic talents to good use, helping locals doing it tough this Christmas.
Using the impressive art he created in lockdown, Vidusha staged his own art exhibition and raised around $600, which is set to be donated to the Vinnes Food Van.
“I realised some other people don’t get to have presents,” he said.
“I am really proud of what I did and I’m really looking forward to helping people who don’t get to have a fun time at Christmas.”
The money raised will go towards creating gift packs made up of gift vouchers, cookies, cakes and Christmas decorations for people in need.
Vidusha added: “It made me feel really proud because I am going to be helping someone else.”
His teacher, Natasha Muller, said the artwork was sparked through an individual learning project, which involves students to explore their curiosities about a chosen topic.
“I was delighted when I received an email from his mum, explaining that the project had inspired the theme of his birthday party, sparking Vidusha’s generous gesture of supporting our college’s Beacon of Hope Appeal,” Ms Muller said.
“As Vidusha’s teacher, I couldn’t be prouder of his generosity and artistic talents. His act of kindness embodies what it means to ‘Be Beaconhills’ and ‘Let Your Light so Shine’; whilst highlighting to his peers, the importance of being an active citizen by serving others and supporting the community.”
