‘FUN RUN FOR LOCAL KIDS’ GATHERS MOMENTUM
July 30, 2013
A new fundraising initiative for sick children in the Wellington Shire has surpassed the $20,000 mark and there is still four weeks to go.
Event organiser Sporting Legends is hoping to make the ‘Fun Run for Local Kids’ an annual event to raise money for local children who are ill and whose families need to relocate or travel overseas for treatment.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is a sponsor of the inaugural fun run, which will be held next month on Sunday, August 25, at Fauna Park in Sale.
Mr Chester said the community had rallied to support local families during a difficult time.
He commended Sporting Legends for providing not only a fundraising event, but also an opportunity for the community to be healthy and active.
“I encourage the local community to get behind this event. There are 5km and 10km distances; entrants can run or walk; and children of all ages are encouraged to join in the fun,” Mr Chester said.
“This also has the potential to become a major event for Sale that will bring people from across Gippsland into the region to participate in the fun run and then patronise our local restaurants and shops during the rest of the day.”
Event organiser Casey Dimarco, from Sporting Legends, said the initial fundraising target of $15,000 had been surpassed due to overwhelming community support.
“This inaugural event will support two families – Bella Hocken and Memphis Killoran,” Mrs Dimarco said.
“Bella Hocken is only three years old and is undergoing 42 weeks of intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy to fight throat cancer. Her family has had to relocate to Melbourne for the year of treatment.
“Memphis Killoran requires specially designed walking equipment and intensive therapy overseas.
“The fun run is a new concept for us and we have been overwhelmed by the support of local business and the generosity of local families.
“At Sporting Legends we always help out where we can, but the nature of this request lent itself to a much bigger event and one that we knew the community would support.”
The ‘Fun Run for Local Kids’ is an all ages event with participants able to choose either a five kilometre run/walk for a $20 entry fee or a 10 kilometre run for $30.
A BBQ will follow the event with jumping castles to also provide entertainment for children.
Singlets, drink bottles and wristbands are available to purchase through Sporting Legends.
Anyone seeking further details on the event can contact Casey on 5143 2345 or email info@sportinglegends.com.au