Parkerville Children and Youth Care celebrated its annual charity event this month at Claremont Showgrounds.
For the seventh consecutive year, the event was sponsored in partnership with Hancock Prospecting, led by Executive Chairman Gina Rinehart as presenting partner of the annual fundraising charity lunch.
The ‘Mesozoic Epicurean Emporium’ charity event transported guests back to the days of the roaring childhood adventures, where imaginations ran free, and dreams knew no bounds.
The event was dedicated to raising funds for the expansion of Parkerville’s Child, Youth and Family Centre and Multi-Agency Investigation Support Team to Perth's southwest metropolitan area.
The expansion aims to extend vital support to approximately 64 per cent of all child sexual abuse investigations across Western Australia, making a significant impact on the lives of those affected.
Distressing statistics reveal that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys in Australia experience abuse, underscoring the urgent need to address this deeply concerning issue. Alarmingly, for 78 per cent of those children, it happens more than once.
Parkerville’s CEO, Kim Brooklyn, emphasised the significance of this initiative.
“Our Child, Youth and Family Centres have long been committed to providing a safe environment and essential support to children, young people and families impacted by child sexual and physical abuse,” she said.
“Integral to this effort is the Multi-Agency Investigation Support Team, which brings together professionals from diverse disciplines to offer comprehensive care and assistance.
“It is essential to note that both the Centres and the indispensable Multi-Agency Investigation Support Team operate without any government funding. Despite this challenge, they remain invaluable spaces that celebrate the resilience of children and young people, providing hope for a brighter future.”
The ‘Mesozoic Epicurean Emporium’ charity event offered a unique opportunity for generous individuals and businesses to join forces with Parkerville Children and Youth Care to empower healing journeys for those affected by sexual assault.
Parkerville joined hands with its esteemed event partners, including Telethon, The Stan Perron Foundation, and Explorasaurus, as the event was made possible through their invaluable support.
The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation deserves applause for their extraordinary gesture – pledging to match donations up to $100,000 made before 5 pm on 18th August 2023. This magnanimous act meant that every dollar donated by the community carried double the impact, exponentially amplifying the voices of those seeking assistance from the Child, Youth and Family Centres.
“Through the generosity of our supporters, and with the continued commitment from Mrs Gina Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting who have steadfastly supported this event for seven consecutive years, we are determined to pave the way for a brighter, more hopeful future for children, young people, and families who have been impacted by sexual assault,” Ms Brooklyn said.
“Together, we can unite as a compassionate community, empowering healing journeys and creating a safer, more supportive world for all. The contributions will help foster every child's imaginative adventure and reignite the spirit of childhood.”
For more information about supporting Parkerville Children and Youth Care’s critical work through donations, visit parkerville.org.au.
By Hearts and Minds
