Meeting a Queensland firefighter in an airport while on holiday with her family has left a lasting impression on 3 year old Matilda Ward.
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Soon to celebrate her fourth birthday, Matilda asked her parents Amina and Steven Ward whether she could have a firefighter party and instead of presents she wants people to donate money to "help the fires and koalas".
"No presents allowed," the little girl from South Hamilton told The Star. "For my birthday we're donating to the firefighters and koalas."
Matilda met a Rockhampton firefighter only known as Kevin at Brisbane Airport on January 14 while waiting for her flight home from Surfers Paradise.
Mrs Ward said her daughter had been watching the bushfire coverage on television when she began talking about it to her father.
"I said to daddy the fires were making me a little bit sad," Matilda said.
Kevin, who had been sitting nearby with other firefighters, overheard this and gave Matilda his hat, which she immediately put on.
"She absolutely loved it," Mrs ward said.
Matilda then wrote Kevin a thank you letter and immediately handed it to him, whilst thanking him for saving the koalas.
She also extended an invite to Kevin and his colleagues to attend her birthday party on February 16.
"After the lengthy discussion that followed between Kevin and Matilda, she asked us if she could have a firefighter birthday party and do something to help the animals impacted," Mrs Ward said.
"We explained to Matilda that we could set up a page and collect donations rather than her receive presents on the day,."
Since establishing a GoFundMe page to collect donations more than $450 has been raised. The initial target was $300.
Mrs Ward said she was impressed that the fundraising target has been met and is proud of her little girl for sticking to her guns about presents.
"Its been pretty amazing. We didn't think it would get to that. I'm really proud of Tils. I'm proud of her for being so selfless," she said.
"She has been really adamant about presents. A few people have said they will donate and get her a gift but she has said 'no'."
To donate go to 'Matilda raises money for the RFS' on gofundme.com.