Busy Bees puts in a marathon effort to raise funds for Bravehearts

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Busy Bees Early Learning has worked with employee and marathon runner Branka Indic to raise $57,230 for charity Bravehearts, which works toward the protection and treatment of child sexual abuse. 

Busy Bees Early Learning presented a $30,000 cheque to Bravehearts on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, contributing to the $27,230 raised by Ms Indic, Busy Bees Compliance & Support Officer. 

Ms Indic successfully completed the Bravehearts 777 Marathon for the third year in a row, running seven marathons in seven states over seven days to raise awareness of the vital work done by Busy Bees’ corporate partner Bravehearts. 

“We’re immensely proud to be a match-giving partner, doubling the funds that Branka has raised to support Bravehearts. Together, we’re making the world a safer place for every child” said Fiona Alston, Busy Bees Chief Pedagogy & Safeguarding Officer.

“Imagine the impact $57,230 will have on Bravehearts’ vital counselling and support services, and their mission to educate families and our communities about how they can protect children. Through our combined efforts we can create safer environments for children and empower future generations.”

Supporting her in her journey were a number of cheerleaders from the various Busy Bees Centre’s across Australia as well as Educator Taila Madden from Busy Bees at Georges Hall (NSW) who ran the Sydney marathon. 

As well as moral support from Busy Bees centres and families, efforts include fundraising, donations, dressing as a brave superhero and cheering from the sideline of the marathons.

More than 1 in 4 Australians (28.5 per cent) have experienced child sexual abuse – more than 1 in 3 Australian girls and almost 1 in 5 boys experience child sexual abuse, a statistic Busy Bees, through its support of Bravehearts, is committed to changing. 

The next Busy Bees event which will support Bravehearts is Bravehearts Day on Friday 6 September, during National Child Protection Week.

Visit the Busy Bees website to learn more about the provider. For more advice and support about the work of Bravehearts call the Support Line on 1800 272 or visit the Bravehearts website. 

Lead image shows (left to right): Fiona Alston, Busy Bees Chief Pedagogy & Safeguarding Officer, Branka Indic, Busy Bees Compliance & Support Officer, Alison Geale, Bravehearts CEO, Kylie Hewitt, Bravehearts National Partnership Manager.