South Australian government donates $100k to inaugural Advertiser Foundation Kids’ Appeal

After the success of The Advertiser Foundation’s Blanket Appeal, a new push to help disadvantaged kids has been kickstarted with a generous donation from the SA government.

The Advertiser Foundation Kids’ Appeal has kicked off with a $100k donation from the South Australian government in an ambitious bid to tackle the scourge of childhood disadvantage.

The centrepiece of the new fundraiser is the auctioning of a brand new home, donated by Villawood Properties and Weeks Homes, which is expected to fetch up to $700k for kids’ charities.

On Monday night, more than 200 guests from the world of business and politics turned out to launch the inaugural appeal at Keith Murdoch House, The Advertiser’s home.

The Good Home House & Land Auction will fetch one lucky buyer a new terrace home in Villawood’s Oakden Rise estate. Picture: Supplied

The new initiative comes on the back of the Foundation’s long-running Blanket Appeal, which for more than 60 years has donated essential goods to those sleeping rough.

The Advertiser Foundation’s deputy chair Penny Fowler said the Kids’ Appeal was “a fitting reflection of our company’s history and our future”, with News Corp’s first charity program dating back to 1909.

Ms Fowler delivered a special message from News Corp chairman Lachlan Murdoch, who said: “News Corp has always sought to find new ways, and more ways, to give back to the communities in which we work and live, helping build social cohesion and stronger communities”.

“The Advertiser Foundation’s Kids Appeal will form an important fundraiser for South Australian charities and I am delighted that we are extending the Foundation’s support of communities across the state.”

Ms Fowler said the Kids’ Appeal would “write an important new chapter in our company’s story here in South Australia”.

“We hope many in the room will partner with us to help raise money and awareness of the children and youth charities we will be supporting. To quote another Kids’ Appeal catch cry: This all adds up to big news for little kids,” Ms Fowler said.

Guest of honour Premier Peter Malinauskas announced his government’s donation by commending the Foundation’s “significant contribution to South Australia” since it was founded by Rupert Murdoch in 1992.

The Advertiser Foundation deputy chair Penny Fowler welcoming Premier Peter Malinauskas to the stage on Monday night. Picture: Matt Loxton

The Advertiser Foundation chair Melvin Mansell, deputy chair Penny Fowler and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas at the Kids’ Appeal launch. Picture: Matt Loxton

“This is a good opportunity to revitalise the contribution that the Foundation has made in a really worthwhile way,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“It is true that there is a huge proportion of children in our state who find themselves in a position of disadvantage, whether it be economic disadvantage, not getting the love they need, or just not having the right physical or mental health.”

As part of the Kids’ Appeal, the Good Home House & Land Auction will see a lucky buyer walk away with a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom terrace home in Villawood’s new Oakden Rise estate near the Adelaide CBD.

Villawood Properties chief executive Alan Miller said the money raised would “change the lives of families and young people for the better”.

“Seeing corporates and government come together in a campaign like this is tremendous,” Mr Miller said.

“I think it sets a great example for other businesses to give back to the community in a very real and meaningful way.”

Weeks Homes chief executive Peter McIndoe thanked suppliers and tradespeople who donated their time or discounted their services for the Good Home auction.

The Foundation raises funds for children through a number of other initiatives, including the Woman of the Year Awards gala dinner and educational grants through Teen Parliament, now in its third year.