Events

Ride4KIDS Cycling Challenge

Fast facts:

August 5 to 9, 2019 500km charity cycle Byron Bay to Noosa 24 volunteer riders, support team and youth ambassadors $60,000+ fundraising and donations

Ride4KIDS continues to be a major annual fundraising event and the 2019 event from Byron Bay to sunny Noosa marked a special milestone; it celebrated the 10th Brad Foster Challenge Ride - a tribute ride for Dalton. Brad (as a rider) and Annie (as a member of the support crew) continue to generously support events and camps for children recovering from life-changing injuries.

The ride has continued to honour the memory of Dalton, a very special young person who had 80% burns. Sadly, Dalton lost his life in 2010 and his courage, infectious smile and “can do” attitude inspired many. For the first time, Dalton’s father and brother took part in this cycle challenge - and did a remarkable job - and Dalton’s mum and brother also came along.

The 500km route was from Byron Bay to Noosa via the Gold Coast, Sirromet and Bribie Island. The ride concluded with a warm welcome from children and family members attending Camp Phoenix - KIDS Foundation’s Burn Survivors’ Camp.

Noosa Triathlon

Once again, we were a charity partner for the Noosa Triathlon and Multisport Festival and our participation each year continues to be a highlight on our events calendar. Not only is this a major fundraising event for KIDS, it is also a wonderful week of friendship and storytelling.

A team of 40 volunteers (and staff) travelled to Noosa to participate in the biggest triathlon in the Southern Hemisphere and support charity. Collectively they raised $100,000 for KIDS; money that goes directly to KIDS’ education programs and injury and trauma survivor camps.

The week began on the golf course, at the 5th tee, as part of the annual Charity Golf Day. A great networking day for KIDS and opportunity to raise a few dollars. This year, thanks to a donation from ‘Bars on the Go’, golfers enjoyed an espresso martini and went in the draw to win a day of golf for four, thanks to a generous donation from the RACV Royal Pines.

This year, participants were welcomed by KIDS ambassadors Dr Richard Harris OAM, Craig ‘Crowie’ Alexander and Matt Thiele. Thank you to everyone who participated; a special thank you to Harris Trade Plumbing Supplies, Exodas Transport and our friends at the Noosa Boathouse.

Fast facts: Saturday, November 3, 2019 40+ fundraising triathletes $100,000+ fundraising and donations

Dine in White

On a balmy night in August 2019, 140 guests dined in thirteen of the Sunshine Coast’s best restaurants where they enjoyed a boutique dinner with friends before kicking up their heels at the secret after-party location – and they did it all for charity!

Thanks to the RACV Noosa Resort and Noosa Ferry River Cruises, guests were transported to the Noosa Boathouse for an evening of music, dancing and celebrations.

Many people and organisations contributed to the success of Dine in White. A special thank you to Paspaley, Dal Zotto, Cotton On, Chemist Warehouse, the Noosa Boathouse, View by Matt Golinski, Arcuri Restaurant RACV Noosa Resort, Wasabi, Aromas, Embassy XO Restaurant & Bar, 10 Hastings Boutique Café, Piccolino, Noosa Waterfront, Cafe La Monde, Italian Marina and Rococo.

Fast facts: Friday, August 9, 2019 140+ guests 13 restaurants 50 silent & live auctions $28,000 fundraising and donations

Matt Golinski was the 2019 event Ambassador; Matt is a highly regarded chef with a passion for creating cuisine using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients and a burn survivor. Matt is a wonderful supporter of the work KIDS Foundation is doing and we were thrilled to have his support.

Fast facts: An evening with Dr Richard ‘Harry’ Harris | November 1, 2019 RACV Noosa Resort Dinner with Dr Richard ‘Harry’ Harris | December 6, 2019 The Barn, Mount Gambier Dive with Dr Richard ‘Harry’ Harris | December 6 to 8, 2019 Kilsby’s Sinkhole & Ewens Ponds, Mount Gambier

Special events with Harry

Three events were held in 2019 with Dr Richard Harris OAM, Joint Australian of the Year 2019 and KIDS Ambassador sharing his story and involvement in the dramatic 2018 Thailand cave rescue of 12 teenage soccer players and their coach. Guests were captivated by his story of tenacity, courage and resilience that had the whole world holding its breath.

2019 came to an amazing conclusion when KIDS delivered a boutique adventure for people looking for a challenge. A small group of qualified divers and snorkelers, and staff, experienced a two-day guided dive led by Australian anaesthetist and cave diver Dr Harry and supported by Reef2Ridge in Mt Gambier.

This fundraising initiative was somewhat out-of-the-box for KIDS and thanks to the support of guides at Reef2ridge, it ended up being a life-changing weekend that we’ll certainly remember. Having the opportunity to see two of Australia’s greatest dive sites with one of Australia’s greatest divers, was a once in a lifetime experience. The crystal-clear caverns and underwater wonderlands, renowned worldwide as some of the few freshwater sinkholes in Australia accessible to divers of all levels, welcomed us and two days of hospitality by The Barn was heartily enjoyed. KIDS is looking forward to diving again.