Act For Kids announced as community beneficiary

LOCALS will be running for a good cause on August 15, with Act for Kids announced as the first-ever community beneficiary for Gladstone Ports Corporation’s (GPC) Port to Park fun run.

The community beneficiary funding worth $20,000, will go towards helping the Gladstone group with their local project, ‘Safe Harbour Therapy Garden’.

The new project is being established at the Act for Kids’ Gladstone’s office located on Glenlyon Street where GPC’s funding will contribute towards creating the garden which will be turned into a therapy space.

Chief Operating Officer, Craig Walker said Act for Kids’ program demonstrates a vital need and valuable program in the community.

“This funding will be put it to good use to support our children in our region,” Mr Walker said.

“We know, now more than ever, Act for Kids would really appreciate this funding after enduring one of their most challenging years’ due to COVID-19,” he said.

“The community beneficiary is quite special this year because it will be the first to kick-off the new-look fun run.”

A recent report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare revealed one in every 31 children receive child protection services.

Act for Kids Chief Executive Officer, Doctor Katrina Lines said the organisation has experienced a 30 per cent increase in demand for its services since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Act for Kids is deeply grateful to be Gladstone Ports Corporation’s Port to Park community beneficiary this year and for GPC’s generous support for Central Queensland children who have experienced trauma,” Dr Lines said.

“The Safe Harbour Therapy Garden will provide already vulnerable children with an inclusive, safe, play based, active and educational space to support their well-being. We know natural, outdoor environments combined with therapeutic support are fundamental to children and families overcoming adversity,” she said.

“In the 2019-2020, Act for Kids provided much-needed support to more than 285 children and families in the Rockhampton region and since we opened in Gladstone in November 2019, we have assisted more than 230 local children and families.”

Mr Walker said GPC’S Port to Park fun run will be an unforgettable event that will help raise valuable funds and awareness for a worthy cause.

Previous Community Beneficiaries of GPC’s Fun run initiative, previously known as the Botanic to Bridge, have included the Gladstone Hospital Children’s Ward through Give Me 5 for Kids, Roseberry House, the Gladstone PCYC and the Boyne Island Environmental Educational Centre.

The new event will show case our port and waterfront parklands while offering enhanced vantage points and spaces for families and friends to enjoy the morning.

Race registrations open this Friday.