Garner will support the Foundation’s annual Childhood Hero Day on Friday 13 June 2008, and the Childhood Hero Appeal, by lending her voice to a radio advertising campaign to help drive fundraising and raise awareness.
The Childhood Hero Appeal celebrates the fun, innocence and importance of childhood and the everyday heroes who make a world of difference to children’s lives by making them feel special, loved and cared for.
“It is a real honour to accept the role of Ambassador to the Australian Childhood Foundation,” says Garner. “I really look forward to helping raise the public profile of the organisation and of all the important work they do. The Foundation has many ambitions in the areas of educational programs, research, and government reform. I truly hope that I am able to help them realise some of these goals.”
Garner plays Detective Senior Constable Jennifer Mapplethorpe on Channel Seven’s top Australian drama, City Homicide. Now with a small son herself, Garner believes that: “Our children are our future. Nurtured children, children who feel loved and secure, make a better world and a brighter future for everyone.”
“We are thrilled to have Nadine on board as an Ambassador,” says Australian Childhood Foundation CEO, Dr Joe Tucci. “She is genuinely passionate about children’s rights and is committed to working with the Foundation to help stop child abuse. Her high profile will help create a much needed cultural shift in the way our community views childhood and children’s rights.”
All money raised during the Australian Childhood Foundation’s June 08 Childhood Hero Appeal and on Childhood Hero Day will go towards:
* Counselling children who are victims of abuse.* Educational programs for professionals and parents.* Researching the effects of child abuse in the community.* Advocating the government to reform the ways that children are protected and supported.
All Australians can become a Childhood Hero by purchasing a Childhood Hero cape or pin, or by becoming a regular donor, or making a donation to support the work of the Australian Childhood Foundation and help in the fight against child abuse by visiting www.childhood.org.au, or calling 1800 176 453 to make a donation.
Child abuse is Australia’s most critical community problem. Last year, there were 309,517 new reports of child abuse and neglect received across Australia. That equates to one report every two minutes. More infants under the age of 12 months were found to have been abused or neglected than children in any other age group. Last year, there were more children living away from their family for their own protection than ever before. The number of children in care has more than doubled in the past decade – increasing from 13 979 in 1996 to 28 441 in 2007.
For further information or interviews please contact: Camilla Fiorini at the Australian Childhood Foundationon 0438 758 658 or cfiorini@childhood.org.au
SOURCE: Australian Chiildhood Foundation