With a few more splashes of pink paint still to come, Percy the Pig is almost ready for his big trip on the second annual Country Education Foundation Pig Push.
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Percy is now in the very capable hands of the students at St Joseph’s Primary School Boorowa, who have been tasked with Percy’s new paint job.
Earlier in the week, Boorowa Central School students were taking care of Percy, using paper mâché to create Percy’s body.
Co-organiser of the Pig Push, Richard Fleming, said one of the students looking after Percy may one day be recipients of a Country Education Foundation scholarship.
“This year, we are pushing Percy from Orange to Boorowa, the fact that we are bringing Percy home, that is what the Country Education Foundation is all about,” he said.
He said the scholarships allow students to study in bigger areas in the hopes that they, like Percy, will return and work in their rural and regional communities.
“They could end up employing someone else who will get a Country Education Foundation scholarship,” Richard said.
Richard said all of the sponsors have been locked in for each day of the Pig Push.
This year’s major sponsor is the Long Track Pantry in Jugiong.
Richard also said that the participating teams from each town along the way have been finalised, with a very special team taking to the road on Tuesday, April 10.
“This year will feature Team Red Heads,” Richard said.
“Only red heads can push that day.”
According to Richard, Team Red Heads may also get the royal treatment – that’s if the world’s most famous red head can ditch the wedding preparations for a week.
“We’ve written to Prince Harry to see if he was keen to push,” Richard said.
“We’ve yet to get a response. His loss if he doesn’t, he will miss out on a great day and a great cause.”
The Pig Push will start from Robertson Park in Orange on Sunday, April 8, with Orange Mayor Red Kidd pushing Percy off.
The first day will see the team travel to Nashdale before travelling approximately 31kms each day.
The planned Cocktail Party in Boorowa after the Push has been cancelled, however the team will have a few deserved drinks at the Top Pub.