“How many tin cans did you have to pick up for that?” Terry asked Kindamindi director Jan Carr. 

“We’re very grateful and very lucky.”

The preschoolers raised the funds through their annual art show, to help Terry – who has motor neurone disease – purchase a new wheelchair. The couple were thrilled to meet the generous little artists, and Terry showed them how his new chair could rise or recline. 

“They are great to sit down and have a chat to and they’ll come up and say hello to you and ask all the little questions that they have in their heads,” Terry said. Questions ranged from why Terry’s legs didn’t work to what makes trees lose their leaves. 

“If you don’t leave here with a big smile on your face, you’re really struggling I think. They really brighten up your day,” Terry said.

The children lined up for a chance to sound the ‘horn’ designed to let bystanders know the wheelchair was coming. 

The couple’s daughters Katie and Elise attend Kindamindi, and spent weeks working on their own pieces for the exhibition earlier this year. 

“It was really a big event for them. And I think they were all very proud that their artworks which they’ve worked on for a long time were hanging up,” Alison said. 

Katie and Elise were pleased to lead their parents around the art gallery and point out their favourite pieces. Terry said it took him by surprise how many people came to support him, and that he thought the children had created “fantastic” artworks.

“We were pretty astounded by how generous the businesses and families that contributed were,” he said.

“The biggest thank you to everyone who in any little way has contributed. It’s overwhelming and appreciated,” Alison said.

“Kindamindi’s probably one of the smallest of the preschools, but for what they lack in size, they make up in heart.”

Ms Carr said that after meeting Terry and Alison, the children were more connected to the cause and had a better understanding of the importance of giving.

“It’s nice to actually see it going to really practical uses as well. To see it going to our families, going to our community,” she said. 

Ms Carr said children can build up their emotional intelligence from a young age. She said Kindamindi aimed to teach them “that they can impact someone else in a really positive way and with kindness”.