Metricon has become a Major Partner of Very Special Kids’ 2008 Piggy Bank Appeal - raising funds to support families throughout their experience of caring for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Very Special Kids is a not-for-profit organisation that assists every member of the family providing counselling, support services and care for the child at Very Special Kids House - Australia’s first children’s hospice offering respite and end-of-life care.
Metricon’s General Manager of Marketing, Darren Mehl, said Metricon is delighted to be associated with such a unique not-for-profit organisation that supports families of seriously ill children.
“It costs $4 million each year for Very Special Kids to support more than 800 Victorian families whose child has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness,” said Darren. “With only 20% government funding, Very Special Kids wouldn’t exist without corporate sponsorship and the generous support of the community to carry out its services."
Metricon also announced today it will build a Tusanne, one of its most beautiful and popular homes, as a “Very Special Home” in Shepparton to raise funds for Very Special Kids’ biggest annual fundraiser, the Piggy Bank Appeal.
“Metricon and Very Special Kids both share the same commitment to supporting regional communities,” said Darren. “We are pleased that we can build this home in Shepparton, a region where Very Special Kids supports 34 families who are caring for a child that’s seriously ill.
“Construction of the sophisticated, three bedroom, single storey home will commence shortly with the auction to take place 4th October 2008. Complete with outdoor living space, contemporary, open plan kitchen and quality fixtures and fittings, the home will be sure to attract attention from many buyers.
“We hope to raise in excess of $100,000 from the Very Special Home, with every dollar from proceeds of the auction going to Very Special Kids - enough to provide 20 families with a year of support services from Very Special Kids.”
As a major partner of the Piggy Bank Appeal, Metricon has adopted Percy, one of Very Special Kids’ giant (700kg) piggy banks that will travel across the state to raise funds and awareness for this fabulous cause.
“Percy will make a special appearance at Metricon’s Display Centres and special events throughout the lead-up to the Appeal and will also be making his way to Shepparton for the auction in September,” said Darren.
Very Special Kids’ Chief Executive Officer, David Agnew, said that the Very Special Kids team is thrilled to welcome Metricon as a Major Partner of the Piggy Bank Appeal and looks forward to building a strong, long-term affiliation with the company.
“Very Special Kids has a number of offices in Melbourne and regional Victoria, including many of the areas where Metricon already has a presence,” said David.
“We believe the partnership will benefit Victorian families and is a great reflection of Metricon’s commitment to local communities.”
For further information about Metricon, please phone 1300 METRICON or visit your nearest Metricon Display Centre.