Bravehearts calls on Bellarine to make pledge to protect kids

AUSTRALIA’S largest child protection advocate Bravehearts is calling on the Bellarine to make a pledge to help protect the country’s most vulnerable souls this White Balloon Day.
Now in its 23rd year, the annual event is the charity’s signature fundraising and awareness initiative and encourages Australians to work together to protect kids from child sexual assault.
With this year’s White Balloon Day to be held on Friday September 6, Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston has called on community members to show their commitment to child protection by ‘signing’ the powerful online Pledge.
“For 23 years Bravehearts has used White Balloon Day to inspire a conversation about society’s greatest scourge,” Ms Johnston said.
“This year we are asking people to take a few seconds to formally declare they will not only talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to protecting our children.”
The Pledge, which can be found on the Bravehearts website, only requires a name and email address, with pledgers given the option of receiving a free supporter pack.
White Balloon Day is also a key fundraiser for Bravehearts, with more than 1900 events across the country last year raising precious dollars for vital education, counselling, training and case management services.
Fundraising events can be as simple as hosting a white morning tea, organising a wear-white-to-work (or school) day or encouraging the community to participate in a wear-white walk.
“As well as raising desperately needed funds so we can continue to teach children personal safety skills, White Balloon Day events inspire conversations within the community about a notoriously difficult subject,” Ms Johnston said.
“Child sexual assault and exploitation are horrific crimes but research shows talking about their prevalence, their impact and how to protect our children helps prevent them.”
To make the Pledge, visit whiteballoonday.com.au/pledge.
To donate or for more on hosting a White Balloon Day event, visit whiteballoonday.com.au/fundraise.
Need to talk to someone? Bravehearts is here to help – 1800 272 831 or bravehearts.org.au.