By TANIA PHILLIPS
More pics coming.
IF YOU went down to Recreation Park last week, you were in for a big surprise!
Every bear, face painter and local service that ever there was, was there because of the teddy bears picnic.
The event aimed at raising awareness and funds for children in need as part of the annual Bravehearts White Balloon Day..
Hundreds of schools, daycare centres, businesses, councils, sporting clubs, community groups and organisations around Australia stepped up for White Balloon Day.
Here on the Tweed, Kingscliff TAFE events management student Donna Taylor came on board to run the teddy bears picnic day.
“The event is for Child Protection Week and the aim is to bring awareness about the week and about all of the organisations and support programs out there,” Donna said.
She said there were lots of displays for the parents and lots of activities and facepainting for the kids.
“We had three local schools coming in to perform two songs each,” she said.
“Tweed Heads Public, Tweed Heads South and Pacific Coast all performed during the day.”
Residents were encouraged to show their support and join the rest of the country in raising awareness and helping Bravehearts to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child by participating in local White Balloon Day events, or registering as volunteers.
Bravehearts called on everyone around the country to wear white on the day to show their support for victims of child sexual assault and to generate awareness about this issue as it seeks to educate, empower and protect the most vulnerable members of the community – our kids.
The Australia-wide event was a key fixture during National Child Protection Week. With funds raised going toward education, prevention and counselling programs.
Bravehearts founder and executive director Hetty Johnston said White Balloon Day was a symbol of hope for survivors of this devastating crime.
“White Balloon Day is about encouraging kids to come forward and break the silence, while we raise the necessary funds to ensure vital support networks and programs can continue,” Ms Johnston said.
“Silence, secrecy and shame are the sex offender’s best friends and the child’s worst enemies.”
