Sweat and get wet for those in need
ANGLICARE is the ‘Charity of Choice’ for the 2009 Australia Day Illawarra Aquathon.
ANGLICARE Wollongong is very excited about locals getting behind the 150 year-old charity and supporting their programs through the annual community fitness event at Wollongong Harbour.
ANGLICARE Wollongong’s Manager, Andrew Stratford, says it is really refreshing to know the community want to help others.
“With the current state of the economy many of our clients are really feeling the pinch both financially and emotionally. It is nice to know the people who reside in the Illawarra want to make a difference in the lives of those who need a change,” Mr Stratford said.
Two local programs will benefit from funds raised through the Aquathon, the Emergency Relief Program and the Early Interventions Parenting Program.
The Emergency Relief Program provides assistance to local families and individuals struggling to stay on their feet during tough times through the provision of food parcels and financial help, vouchers to pay for food and power bills, through to providing financial support for rent and funeral payments.
The Early Interventions Parenting Program helps Parents of young children at risk develop strong and positive parenting skills. This helps to create a safe family environment where children can develop to their full potential.
The coordinator of the Illawarra Early Interventions Parenting Program, Aruna Gonsalvez, says any funds raised would be a real blessing to the program and the parents.
“There are so many young families in our region and we want to help them develop skills to build a nurturing relationship with their child. The parents need to know they are valuable and that they play a very important role as leaders and role-models to their children.
“Any money that we receive will be really useful, we would love to be able to purchase a van to make learning opportunities in group contexts more accessible to isolated parents,” Ms Gonsalvez said.
You can support ANGLICARE through the 2009 Illawarra Aquathon by sponsoring someone who is participating in the event or if you are a participant you can ask friends, family and work mates to pledge an amount for your entry.
Anyone participating can make an instant donation, simply go to http://www.aquathon.com.au/ join up and start your fundraising page.
