Act for Kids has announced its first annual giving day, Change for Kids, to raise much needed funds to help treat the impacts of child abuse and neglect.
All proceeds raised from the Giving Day, being held on the 9th of September, will help meet increasing demands for trauma therapy and support services for children and families.
Act for Kids CEO, Dr Katrina Lines, stressed the importance of the fundraiser, as the charity has experienced COVID-induced cancellations and postponements of many of its usual fundraising events.
“COVID-19 has significantly increased the demand for our services at a time when regular fundraising has slowed down.”
“Our first ever giving day, in which all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by our generous corporate and philanthropic supporters, will fund life-changing therapy for children who have experienced sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and neglect,” Dr Lines said.
“The heartbreaking reality is 95% of children who suffer abuse and neglect are harmed by someone in a position of trust, often a family member.”
“The COVID-19 restrictions mean that many children have spent more time with people who harm them.”
Dr Lines said the money raised would help vulnerable children like Aiden, an eight-year-old boy who faced significant physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his parents.
“For the first six years of his life, Aiden was beaten, burned, threatened and degraded by his own parents,” she said.
“Thankfully, after he was removed from this harmful environment to live with his Aunt Donna, we provided him with the treatment he so desperately required.”
“Unfortunately, stories like this are not uncommon. Every day in Australia, 130 children are victims of abuse and neglect.”
Act for Kids is aiming to raise $50,000 throughout their first annual giving day, with proceeds set to support kids like Aiden.
To support Change for Kids, visit charidy.com/actforkids, or call Act for Kids on 1300 228 000.
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For photo, video and interview opportunities, please contact Zoe Templeton, Public Relations and Communications Specialist, on:
M: 0427 794 666
E: zoe.templeton@actforkids.com.au
