Run for the Kids: Racquets switch to runners for charity

Run For the Kids hits close to home for the team at Tennis Victoria who have banded together to raise money for this year’s Good Friday Appeal.

Tennis Victoria staff get ready for the virtual Run for the Kids. Picture: Jason Edwards

Run For the Kids hits close to home for the team at Tennis Victoria who have banded together to raise money for this year’s Good Friday Appeal.

As the Herald Sun and Transurban give generous Victorians the chance to participate in the fundraiser’s virtual running challenge, the sporting organisation is jumping on board to give back to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Tennis Victoria’s acting chief executive Adam Crameri said the fundraiser’s return allowed his team of 22 runners and walkers to show their gratitude to the hospital where some of their own children had received care.

“Both of my children have been through the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Mr Crameri said.

“My wife and I have so much gratitude and appreciation for the amazing work that they’ve done in supporting the children’s development,” he said.

“They (team members) are also grateful.”

Mr Crameri said it was “absolutely paramount” for his team to be a part of this year’s virtual run, in which competitors complete 90 minutes of running, walking or skipping any time between March 28 and April 2, because the RCH team had given their children a second lease on life.

“This is an opportunity for us in such a small way to give back and support the Good Friday appeal.”

“They are giving the opportunity to be healthy and active again.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital does such an amazing amount of work for Victorian children and families and this is a small way of trying to raise some money and support the amazing staff and the work they do.”

Mr Crameri said the run was also a great opportunity to encourage staff to keep active.

“Some staff are going to be able to run, some are going to be able to walk and, but they are all giving back to the community,” he said.

Runners can register for the virtual event online where the majority of proceeds will be donated to the Good Friday Appeal.

Entrants can hit the ground running at the ‘on-the-road’ event on August 29 for the Run For Kids’ 90th anniversary through the Docklands, Bolte Bridge and Domain Tunnel.

Run for the Kids for the chance to win Qatar Airways flights

If supporting Victoria’s sickest children isn’t enough motivation, Victorians now have 12,000 more reasons to enter Virtual R4K 2021.

To celebrate the Good Friday Appeal’s 90 Years of Giving, one lucky Victorian entrant in Virtual R4K 2021 will win $12,000 of economy flights from Qatar Airways.

Every Victorian who registers to participate in Virtual R4K 2021 is entered in the draw to win the flights, with the winner announced on April 6.

Qatar ground staff with their Run for the kids bibs at Melbourne airport. Picture David Geraghty

The prize contribution is just one part of a larger commitment to support the 2021 Good Friday Appeal, with Qatar Airways also planning a donation announcement on Good Friday.

Qatar Airways’ Vice President Australasia & North Asia, Mr. Thomas Scruby, said:

“During a difficult last 12 months, we are proud to have kept flying throughout the pandemic and bringing home as many travellers as possible. Australians have continued to champion our efforts on this journey, so we wanted to take the opportunity to thank the community for their support, and give back to those who need it most.”

“Every year, the Good Friday Appeal inspires the wider community to unite for a good cause, and this year is particularly significant following the impacts of COVID-19. We are honoured to be able to play a small part in this, and raise much-needed funds to support the critical work of The Royal Children’s Hospital.”

Virtual R4K 2021 asks entrants to participate in 90 minutes of movement between March 28-April 2, with funds raised going to the 2021 Good Friday Appeal.

For more information or to enter, visit runforthekids.com.au

Competition entry open to all Victorian entrants of Virtual R4K 2021. Entries close Friday, April 2, 2021 at 10.30pm (AEDST). Winner drawn Tuesday, April 6 at 10am (AEDST) at HWT Tower, 40 CIty Rd, Southbank. Winner name announced on runforthekids.com.au. View full terms and conditions at runforthekids.com.au

Layla’s million-dollar target

Teenager Layla Hopkins and her supporters have their sights set on a million-dollar milestone for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

The 14-year-old has been taking part in the Herald Sun Transurban Run for the Kids since 2007, with about 200 people joining her team each year.

The team has raised $189,000 in donations and are aiming to one day reach $1m.

Layla’s mother Natasha Hopkins said they were determined to give back to the hospital that saved Layla’s life.

Born at 24 weeks and weighing 590 grams, Layla spent the first nine months of her life in hospital.

“She was given a 2 per cent chance of surviving without a disability of some kind,” Mrs Hopkins said.

“And she’s come out of it happy, healthy, strong, fit, she’s amazing. You wouldn’t even know it.”

Mrs Hopkins said the ultimate goal of collecting $1m would go some way to providing lifesaving care for a baby battling similar complications to Layla.

“The humidity cribs she was in for such a long time, they at that time cost $1m each.

“People don’t realise how lucky we are having one of the world’s leading hospitals right here, we are so, so privileged to have that.”

The Hopkins family and their team are taking part in the virtual and “on-the-road” Run for the Kids events this year.

People can sign up for the virtual event by registering a 90-minute walk, run or skip any time between March 28 and April 2.

The “on-the-road” event will take place on August 29.

Find out more at runforthekids.com.au

Layla Hopkins and her supporters have their sights set on a million-dollar milestone. Picture: Jason Edwards