A GIANT pink piggy bank rolled into Shepparton last Friday as part of a statewide road trip to raise $100,000 for Very Special Kids, a charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The event at the Commonwealth Bank Shepparton branch marked the return of the Piggy Bank Appeal tour after a hiatus since COVID-19.
Very Special Kids supports approximately 700 families across the state. As Victoria’s only children’s hospice, it provides 24-hour medically supported respite, end-of-life care and after death care to children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and tailored support for their families.
Parents Alanna and Matthew, who live in Tatura, understand firsthand the impact of this holistic care. Their son Lachlan, aged five-years, has been supported by Very Special Kids since 2022. Lachlan has Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease (PMD), a rare degenerative condition that attacks the central nervous system and impacts his mobility and speech development.
“It’s phenomenal, really, Very Special Kids has helped us when we really need it and taken the pressure off,” Alanna shared. “We know Lachie is safe and in good hands at the hospice, and it gives us the break we really need.”
The Shepparton branch was abuzz with activity last Friday, with a fundraising BBQ, piggy-themed merchandise, and other activities aimed at generating awareness and support. The Commonwealth Bank has been a key partner of the Piggy Bank Appeal for 25 years and has contributed more than $3.3M towards its essential palliative care services.
Very Special Kids is a predominantly self-funded organisation, relying on the generosity of the community to continue offering its service. For more information or to donate, visit www.piggybankappeal.org.au
