Bravehearts helping protect our most vulnerable

Bravehearts' Ditto with teachers, staff and kids at Busy Bees Geelong West. (Ivan Kemp) 424331_05

Australian child protection organisation Bravehearts is calling on the community to “be brave” and help fight child sexual abuse.

The not-for-profit organisation’s annual fundraiser Bravehearts Day will be held on Friday, September 6 as part of National Child Protection Week.

Money raised for Bravehearts Day will contribute to Bravehearts counselling and support services and help the organisation provide its child protection training courses and educational programs in childcare centres and primary schools.

Childcare provider Busy Bees has partnered with Bravehearts as matched giving partner for the fundraiser, going dollar for dollar with every donation.

Busy Bees operations director Shaun Nicholls said Bravehearts’ educational programs like Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure were important to help children stay safe.

“Child safety is such a big component of everyday living now, especially with the safety concerns around online (activity),” Mr Nicholls said.

“It’s an ongoing relationship with the (Bravehearts) and us to make sure that we do keep these programs going for the children to feel safe and to have a voice.”

Bravehearts CEO Alison Geale called on the community to “band together to help make uncomfortable conversations more comfortable”.

“By donating, hosting a fundraising event or taking on the #BraveChallenge, we are one step closer to reversing these devastating statistics in a bid to help protect society’s most vulnerable, our children,” Ms Geale said.

“Since 2016, more than 1.4 million children have participated in our national personal safety education program, Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure, and our work doesn’t stop there. This Bravehearts Day, we aim to raise $250,000 to empower kids through education programs and provide support programs for victims, survivors and families.”

Visit braveheartsday.com.au for more information or call 1800 272 831.