Bruce and Denise Morcombe mark 20th year of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation

With their annual Dance For Daniel event in Townsville selling out in record time, Bruce and Denise Morcombe are continuing the legacy of this son Daniel by using the funds raised to teach children and families how to stay safe.

Denise and Bruce Morcombe are marking the 20th year anniversary of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

With their annual Dance For Daniel event in Townsville selling out in record time, Bruce and Denise Morcombe are continuing the legacy of their son Daniel by using the funds raised to teach children and families how to stay safe.

The foundation has been running for 20 years and is dedicated to their 13-year-old son Daniel, who’s heartbreaking story captured the nation when he went missing in 2003 and was tragically abducted and murdered.

His parents have made it their mission to reach every Australian and spread the message of child safety.

Denise and Bruce Morcombe are marking the 20th year anniversary of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

“We lost Daniel almost 22 years ago, nobody has forgotten that, but it’s not about being sad, it’s about reflecting on how do we keep today’s kids safe from harm,” Mr Morcombe said.

“Wherever there are children, there will be a predator – someone with bad intention to harm those kids.”

They said their biggest challenge has been the growth of the internet and online predators, with the ages of children being targeted getting ‘younger and younger’ each year.

“They are on the net, where the kids are playing on social media, gaming …” Mr Morcombe said.

The Townsville Dance for Daniel will be held on September 5 at The Ville, with money raised going towards creating free childhood safety resources and providing counselling for young victims of crime.

Denise and Bruce Morcombe are marking the 20th year anniversary of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

The safety resources are shown to children and schools around Australia and are available online.

While it has already sold out, the Morcombes said the community could still donate.

“We have 420 people attending from all walks of life, police officers, mums and dads, school teachers … It’s overwhelming. 17 days, that’s a record,” Mrs Morcombe said.

The symbol of a red shirt and the colour red have become synonymous with their work.

“Most of the ladies wear a red dress and men wear a red tie or red shirt. Daniel was last seen wearing a red shirt … that’s Daniel’s legacy,” she said.

Day for Daniel, Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day will also be held on October 31.

For more information and to find free resources for child safety visit danielmorcombe.com.au

Originally published as Bruce and Denise Morcombe mark 20th year of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation