National child protection advocate Bravehearts and Surfing NSW will make a big splash at the inaugural Stand Up For Kids at North Cronulla to raise funds for children and their families affected by sexual assault.
Stand Up For Kids, which is a paddleboard fund-raising event open to everyone, will coincide with a surfing calendar of events at the NRMA Cronulla Women’s Surf Classic and Maxum ASP Women’s Pro Junior this Saturday and Sunday.
Monies raised will help to fund Bravehearts acclaimed personal safety program, Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure, to be rolled out across childcare centres and schools in NSW.
The event is an initiative by local Stand Up For Kids enthusiast and Bravehearts community ambassador Sascha Chandler.
“Sutherland Shire is family focused and protecting children is a top priority,’’ Chandler said.
‘‘Supporting Stand Up For Kids is a great way for all of us to help Bravehearts keep kids safe from harm so they can grow up to lead happy, healthy lives.’’
Bravehearts founder and chief executive Hetty Johnston said events such as this made a real difference in the lives of Australian children and encouraged the community to rally behind the event.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in a fun and exciting event and at the same time raise funds for NSW children and their families affected by sexual assault,” Johnston said.
“Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure show has educated 380,000 children Australia-wide with protective behaviours to keep them safe.
‘‘We want to visit more kids and we can do this with the help of the shire.’’
The Stand Up For Kids races, 11am to 1pm, are in two formats.
The ocean race at 11am is for experienced riders who must have their own board and safety vest; registration is $50.
Family friendly relay races will be in the North Cronulla ocean pool from 11.30am.
Teams of four will paddle on Naish-donated boards; individual registration is $25.
Registrations, donations: standupforkids.com.au or 8.30am and 10.30am on the day in the Bravehearts marquee at Dunningham Park, Cronulla.
Tickets can be bought for a raffle to win an exclusive Bravehearts-branded Shadow Skates, a surf-inspired skateboard; details: http://www.surfingnswonline.com.au/event.php?id=1188