Annual splash and dash raises plenty of cash for ANGLICARE
More than $12,000 has been raised so far through the 2009 Illawarra Aquathon for ANGLICARE.
ANGLICARE was the official ‘Charity of Choice’ for this year’s Australia Day Illawarra Aquathon.
Manager of ANGLICARE Illawarra, Andrew Stratford, says the event has once again served to raise the profile of the organisation’s work throughout the Illawarra.
“Our Illawarra programs were made more visible, and the fact that we have more than doubled on the 2008 funds raised really shows the amazing support and kindness of the local community and Aquathon participants.
“ANGLICARE would like to send a heart felt thank you to the event organiser Rob Battocchio, the volunteers from ANGLICARE, local parishes, The Illawarra Grammar School, and the University of Wollongong Black Opal students. Special thanks must go to all the locals and event participants who supported the ANGLICARE and Aquathon fundraising campaign, in particular Savvy Health and Fitness, Crown Street Mall, and Pellegrini Café Bar,” Mr Stratford said.
The two ANGLICARE programs that will benefit from the funds are the Illawarra Parenting program and the Wollongong Emergency Relief program.
Staff, members and children involved in the ANGLICARE Illawarra Parenting Group took part in the team component of the Aquathon, participating in the run leg of the event.
Although the ‘Parenting Team, Family and Friends’ crossed the finish line half an hour after the last competitor, they all walked across as a team, prams in tow and smiles on their faces.
The Coordinator of the Illawarra Early Interventions Parenting Program, Aruna Gonsalvez, says the money raised will make a huge difference to the program and the parents and children involved.
“With so many young families residing in the Illawarra we really want to be there for them, to help them develop parenting skills that will ultimately help build healthy relationships with their children.
“The money that our program receives we hope to put towards making the services we offer more accessible to isolated parents in the Illawarra,” Ms Gonsalvez said.
CEO of ANGLICARE Sydney, Peter Kell, says the day was a success and the kindness of the local community is great to see.
“The day was a great achievement for all. The event itself was great fun and I really enjoyed being a part of the team leg and running for ANGLICARE,” Mr Kell said.
“I understand that people are feeling the financial pinch with the current state of our economy, so to see so many Illawarra locals getting involved in the Aquathon to help those who really need a helping hand is a true testament to the kind spirit in the area”.
