This year, Accru Melbourne will be participating in and raising funds for the Run for the Kids, Good Friday Appeal. The Good Friday Appeal raises much needed funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Everyone in our office has made a commitment to raising funds for this great cause and we would sincerely appreciate your support too! With 90% of our staff participating on Sunday 29 March, we want to make a difference for the Royal Children’s Hospital for 2020.
A story close to our hearts comes from our HR Manager, Kate Cain who is very keen to give back to the Royal Children’s Hospital as they have done so much for her son, Oscar.
We had an interview with Kate to touch on her story and the great work the Royal Children’s Hospital has done to treat Oscar over the past 6 years.
When did you decide to participate in Run for the Kids?
“I first signed up back in 2018 and to be honest, I’m not normally a runner but with it being such a good cause, I couldn’t say no! I’m looking forward to completing this event once again with so many of my colleagues! Everyone from Accru is helping out to raise funds and around 90% of our staff participating on the day.”
“I will be running in the 5km this year!”
What made you do the run?
“My son Oscar has been under the care of the Royal Children’s Hospital for 6 years now. Their care has been absolutely phenomenal! The staff there are tenacious, caring and extremely attentive.
I have noticed however that they don’t have enough funding for additional medical equipment. Just as an example, they have two MRI machines and there’s a long waiting list for children requiring MRI’s. The Good Friday Appeal provides funds for vital services and equipment.”
Tell us a little bit about Oscar’s care.
“Oscar’s symptoms presented in 2014. Over the years, he received care from many different departments. He has been treated by Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, ENT, Dermatology, Ophthalmology and the list goes on. Doctors, Nurses, Play Therapists and volunteers have all contributed to his care and treatment. They are all fantastic!”
What’s your main aim of doing this run?
“My main aim is to try my best to raise awareness for the Good Friday Appeal and give back to the Royal Children’s Hospital. It’s a way I can show my appreciation and gratitude to all of those who helped Oscar and other unwell children. Doing this run is my way of saying thank you for their ongoing support and treatment over the past 6 years. My niece was also under their care with cystic fibrosis from when she was born until the age of 18 so I’m also doing this for her!”
What is the one thing you would say to have people support the Royal Children’s Hospital?
“Do the run! Keep active and healthy! And if you aren’t able to run, please donate to the Good Friday Appeal as every little bit helps. There are so many kids in need and donating will get the much needed care they require. The Royal Children’s Hospital do an incredible job but they certainly could do more with more funding. From Accru’s perspective, we are an active firm and like to keep healthy and it’s a win/win for all involved. Keeping fit and participating also allows us to bond with colleagues for a fantastic cause!”
What the charity does?
The Herald Sun/CityLink Run for the Kids is a community event, and its primary aim is to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
The Herald and Weekly Times, through its flagship newspaper, the Herald Sun, has had a long and proud association with the Good Friday Appeal. The Appeal originated in 1931 when a group of Herald and Weekly Times’ employees got together with sports officials to run a sports carnival that raised money for the hospital, then struggling in the grip of the Great Depression.
The Appeal was maintained, funded and nurtured by the Herald and Weekly Times, and since 1956, by television partner Channel Seven.
After a spectacular debut in 2006, the Herald Sun | CityLink Run for the Kids has grown to one of Victoria’s largest mass-participation fun runs with participants experiencing a tremendous thrill running over a great course for a great cause.
The event is proud of its position as the single biggest fundraising contributor for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. To date the event has raised over $15.6 million dollars for the Appeal.
What the hospital does?
The Royal Children’s Hospital improves the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents through leadership in healthcare, research and education. Nearly all families come into direct contact with the work of the hospital at some stage, either through the care of their own children or through friends or family. It is a great children’s hospital that leads the way and we are thankful for the 30,000+ runners who hit the streets of Melbourne each year to support this important cause by running for the kids.
