TRANSDEV MELBOURNE has loaned ‘the big man in red himself’ Santa Claus a specially decorated Christmas bus to stand in for his reindeer and help spread some Christmas cheer to children and families staying in Very Special Kids’ Hospice in Malvern East, the company announced.
Transdev staff were happy to help Santa with an early Christmas surprise for children with life-threatening illnesses by dropping in on one of Very Special Kids’ music therapy sessions, according to the company.
Very Special Kids is a children’s charity supporting families across Victoria that have a child with a life-threatening condition. The music therapy session is just one of the ways Very Special Kids supports approximately 850 families across Victoria, Transdev explains.
Other services include counselling, advocacy, sibling programs, bereavement support and specialist care at the Very Special Kids Hospice.
Transdev acting managing director Ian Craig said: “We strongly believe in giving back to the communities in which we operate and part of what makes Christmas special for many of us is spending time with our families.”
“We hope that our support will raise awareness and funds which will allow Very Special Kids to continue providing much needed hope and comfort for Victorian families who have a child with a life threatening condition.”
Very Special Kids chief executive officer Michael Wasley said: “Very Special Kids is incredibly grateful for Transdev Melbourne’s support, particularly during such a challenging year. The opportunity to share our Christmas Appeal through billboards across Melbourne has been fantastic.”
“Very Special Kids relies on the generous support of the community to support around 850 families that have a child with a life-limiting condition at no cost,” he added.
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GENERATING AWARENESS
As part of the visit, Transdev Melbourne donated funds raised by staff to Very Special Kids’ Christmas Fundraising Campaign, the company confirms. It has also helped spread awareness of the fundraising campaign by securing $200,000 worth of advertising space around Melbourne, it states.
The theme of the Christmas appeal highlights the important role Very Special Kids plays in providing specialist care and support services for families who have a child with a life-threatening illness and calls on Victorians to donate to support their work.
Throughout 2020 Transdev has also supported Very Special Kids with donations raised through staff fundraising initiatives as part of its Community Partnership Program.
Donations to Very Special Kids Christmas Appeal can be made at https://very-special-kids.giveeasy.org/eve
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Photography: courtesy Transdev Melbourne