Young dancing enthusiast and avid Michael Jackson fan Shane Zammit is putting his passions to a good cause, busking in the streets of Forster and Taree to raise money for charity.
At the same time the 26-year-old type one diabetic from Forster Keys is helping improve his health with a dynamic interpretation of Michael Jackson dance moves.
During the three weeks Shane has been dancing in the streets he has collected more than $250 for his preferred charity, Diabetes Australia.
Shane’s support worker, Johan Kloosterhof from Northcott, Taree, was thrilled with the amount of money raised during this time.
“We thought we would be doing well to raise $20 in a day,” Johan said.
“On our first day we raised $105.”
With just a handful of busking session to go – Shane busts out his moves once a week for about an hour – his $500 aim is expected to be well over target.
Shane said he learned his moves by watching videos and the television.
I like to help people and I want to donate to sick people and diabetes, Shane said.
Shane was pretty chuffed with the reaction from the small groups who gathered and donated money for his charity.
Johan laughed Shane had almost become famous in Forster and Taree for his impressive, entertaining moves.
“We were walking from the IGA to Subway to get a sandwich and people were still giving us money,” he said.
Johan is delighted with the positive changes to Shane’s confidence since he began busking.
“He listens better and is more aware of his surroundings.”
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
