Triple M Brisbane helps transform family home of sick child

An Arana Hills family were floored by the generosity of their local community after a Triple M-driven initiative saw more than 60 small businesses lend a hand to build a safe play area for their seven-year-old daughter.

Ollie Schmidt, who suffers from an unknown condition that can see her experience up to 250 seizures each day, was given a guard of honour by a group of local tradies last Friday as they revealed the new padded deck built into her family home.

Efforts to build the safe area for Ollie began after Triple M Brisbane was tipped off about her condition by Variety Queensland, with the station quickly enlisting the help of TAFE Queensland, Paynters and 60 small businesses and individuals to assist with the construction project.

Triple M Brisbane Breakfast’s Greg ‘Marto’ Martin said the project from inception to completion was inspirational.

“TAFE Queensland and Paynters immediately answered our call and have stood shoulder to shoulder with us in building the padded deck and safe area. They were joined by over 60 other businesses and individuals. The inspiring part? More than 150 businesses wanted to help, proving this city has a huge heart, there’s a lot of joy here this morning,” he said.

“This family has been through enough, and little Ollie deserves this space where she can practice her walking, and be safe.”

Ollie’s mother Mandy Schmidt expressed her gratitude towards Triple M Brisbane and the team of local businesses who assisted in the construction of the safe area.

“We were so blown away when Triple M rang to say Variety had asked them to get behind the project,” she said.

“Not only will this help build Ollie’s strength and development but it will also give her the freedom to be a little girl, to play in her own space.

“This will be a life saver for our family. Words cannot express how thankful we are that everyday people would invest in her future.”