How Bags of Poo Are Raising Money for Kids With Brain Injuries

Editor’s Note: this isn’t journalism in the strictest sense because we’re endorsing a product—but it’s for a good cause. We getting onboard because we believe in it, and frankly so should you.

It hasn’t been a good year. I know that. You know that. Basically everyone has been walking around saying that since February. And now a line of boutique garden fertilisers is encapsulating the year that was, and raising money for children with brain injuries.

The charity is called Brainwave and for over 25 years they’ve been supporting kids with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and other brain illnesses, along with their families. It’s the lord’s work but like all organisations, Brainwave has found 2020 pretty tough, with donations taking a notable dip.

“We’ve all been impacted by a decrease in the opportunity to fundraise,” says CEO Amy Timoshanko. “So I think there’s been a lot of necessary innovation and adaptation by charities.”

Innovation indeed.

The product is called Pure Sh*t and it’s literally just big bags of cow shit, which can be used as gardening fertilizer. The packaging says that it’s 100 percent Australian made, organic, odourless cow manure, suitable for trees, vegetables, flowers, garden beds and pot plants.

One kilgram of Pure Sh*t costs $25.00 and as mentioned, it’s helping sick kids.

It all came about because one of the founders has a son named Nicholas Cox who co-owns a fairly smart-assy creative agency called Gen C—and it was their idea to help out.

At the age of six, Nic had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, making his mother all too aware of the pain families go through when their loved ones suffer brain ailments. From this experience came a desire to help others, and Brainwave was formed.

And now, years later, Nic and his Gen C co-owner Jack White are giving back.

“We were delighted when Nic came to us and said he wanted to support Brainwave,” says Amy, regarding the big bags of shit they’re now using as a fundraiser. “Nic is a big part of the Brainwave story and his generosity, and Jack’s generosity, to focus on doing something like this, creating this sort of product, says a lot about him and the impact that Brainwave has.”

The proceeds will go to supporting families who need accommodation near hospitals while their children undergo medical treatment. The bags of fertilizer will also help pay for Brainwave equipment such as wheelchairs, tube feeders and even a therapy dog.

So as Amy says: “2020 has been a really challenging year. It’s been challenging, but there’s been certainly a lot of great work and different opportunities that we’ve been able to deliver and we’re grateful to those that support our families.”

To support Brainwave and their work, you can buy some Pure Sh*t right here