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Kids helping kids
21 November 2017
At its core, Gembrook’s has always been about kids helping kids.
The annual event – organised by the Rotary Club of Emerald and District at Gembrook’s Puffing Billy station – provides a chance for children aged from 3 to 12 to run alongside Thomas the Tank Engine while also raising some much-needed funds for young people their age in a less fortunate position.
Berwick-based Insight – an education centre for the blind and vision impaired – will receive some much-needed financial assistance from the fun run. Insight principal Timothy Hemphill has twin daughters at in Eltham – Madeleine and Juliette – who are also getting involved.
‘My involvement in this event mainly centres around the Disability Justice League, which is a (school) program or support group which is essentially students supporting students,’ Madeleine said.
‘The aim is to get students like myself involved in issues concerning the disabled, particularly through Insight Education and first and foremost the event – the fun run.
‘I hope to get students to donate for the kids to run – it’s $20 per student – but also to get a few of the girls to help guide some of the (Insight) students as well.
‘The main reason why I started this group is that I’ve always had a passion about the disabled. Ever since I was younger, I believed that it was such an important issue in the community, and I believe these students should be supported by those who understand.’
The Kids Fun Run with Thomas will be held on Sunday 26 November at Gembrook’s Puffing Billy railway station.
To enter online, visit or for more information call 0408 769 491.
This is an extract of an article originally published in the Ranges Trader Mail .