Advocacy
In The Field
Busy Bees a major sponsor of White Balloon Day, seeking to raise funds and awareness
Freya Lucas
Sep 09, 2021
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Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across the country are being asked to do their part to support Bravehearts through the White Balloon Day fundraiser.
White Balloon Day takes place on Friday 10 September, and will see hundreds of events held across the country in an effort to raise funds and awareness of the role that all Australians play in protecting children from child sexual assault and exploitation by wearing white and starting the conversation.As Australia’s largest campaign in National Child Protection Week, White Balloon Day organisers are asking all Australians to dig deep and donate, with donations made on Friday September 10 to be matched by the organisation’s major sponsors – Superannuation Advice Australia and Busy Bees Early Learning Australia.
Through COVID-19 lockdowns, child protection services across the country have flagged the increased risk to children, Bravehearts CEO Alison Geale explained.
“The current climate with COVID-19 has seen more children at risk than ever, with children being trapped at home with their abusers through on-going lockdowns,” she added.
“That’s why we are pleading for Australians to wear white and donate this Friday on Bravehearts’ White Balloon Day, where their donations will be matched by our generous major sponsors so that we can continue to raise awareness of child sexual assault and exploitation, while also providing essential support and education services to families and survivors in need.”
2021 marks a quarter of a century of tireless advocacy by Bravehearts through White Balloon Day, which is the country’s longest-running campaign dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse.
“We have already seen an incredible amount of support from Australians, having doubled our event registration record, but there is still time for the wider community to get involved and help make a difference for so many children,” Ms Geale said.
Funds raised as part of the day will be used to educate children about personal safety through Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show, as well as providing more counselling services for children and families affected by child sexual abuse.
A donation of $12 is enough to educate one child about personal safety, body ownership and how to speak up if they feel unsafe.
Register for Bravehearts’ White Balloon Day, Friday 10 September, and donate at whiteballoonday.com.au For readers who have been impacted or affected by child sexual assault and need support, Bravehearts can be reached on 1800 272 831 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm AEST) or at bravehearts.org.au
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