Tony Linossi is raising money to buy insect nets to save children’s lives.
By Shaun Inguanzo
TONY Linossi has survived a stroke, cares for his cancer-stricken wife, and yet he finds time to worry about the 3000 children who die from malaria each day.
Mr Linossi, 79, a member of the Rotary Club of Dandenong, is now appealing to the Greater Dandenong community to sponsor him for a swim in April 2008 to raise money for lifesaving insect nets.
His goal is to raise at least $5000 to buy the long-lasting insect nets for African villages where malaria is prominent.
“I always get emotional at the thought of 3000 kids dying every day from malaria,” he said.
“Mothers are also dying because of malaria.
“The trouble in Africa is that usually a couple that would have three or four children are having up to six or seven children in the hope some survive.”
Mr Linossi has registered with the World Swim Against Malaria, a global fundraiser, and is hoping the 2008 swim date will give him plenty of time to raise the funds.
“I am hoping for more sponsors,” he said.
“My goal is $5000 but I will accept whatever sponsorship we can get.
“The nets will cost $7.50 each, and there are no extra expenses on it, and no administration fees. All of the money goes towards the nets.”
Mr Linossi suffered a stroke in June 2005.
He has made a stunning recovery, and said keeping fit was now a means to helping him care for his wife, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
Mr Linossi said he would swim one lap, but was compiling a team, including his son Alex, who would be able to swim further.
To donate to Mr Linossi’s cause visit www.worldswimformalaria.com/tonylinossi.
