Raising Vital Funds for
Western Australian Children
and Young People
On Friday, 13 September 2024, Parkerville Children and Youth Care hosted its 20th Annual Charity Lunch, with presenting sponsor Hancock Prospecting. This year’s event transported guests into the whimsical world of Willy Wonka, offering a magical afternoon filled with surprises and a shared commitment to supporting children and young people in Western Australia affected by child sexual abuse.
Held at the Kingsman in the heart of Perth City, the brand-new pop-up venue provided stunning views of the Swan River, creating a picturesque backdrop for the special occasion.
The event raised over $220,000 on the day, with people also offering support post event to contribute to the ongoing success of services supporting children and young people throughout Western Australia who have experienced child sexual abuse and other adverse experiences.
This remarkable contribution will significantly enhance Parkerville’s capacity to provide crucial support and enable the expansion of the Multi-Agency Investigation Support Team (MIST) service to Joondalup, effectively doubling the assistance they can offer in the Perth metropolitan area. With more than one in three girls and one in five boys experiencing sexual assault by the age of 15, these funds are essential for reducing these alarming statistics and ensuring young survivors receive the care and support they need to heal.
Parkerville CEO, Kim Brooklyn, emphasised the importance of these services, stating, ‘Our Child, Youth and Family Centres, along with MIST, provide critical support to children and families affected by child sexual abuse. Despite operating without government funding, we have delivered these vital services to the community, and in doing so found ways to help children and young people address their trauma. We’ve also empowered families to create healing environments to support their child/loved one, fostering hope for a brighter future for all.’
Guests enjoyed an unforgettable escape into a world of pure imagination, beginning with welcome drinks in a magical garden and a surprise appearance from one of Wonka’s Oompa Loompas. The whimsical theme was brought to life through captivating performances by Mirabilis Collective, Tres Classique and Chris Murphy. A gourmet three-course lunch, courtesy of Ultimo Catering, was paired with selected Howard Park wines, and the day concluded with an extravagant array of scrumptious sweets in true Wonka fashion.
The afternoon featured a thought-provoking conversation between Parkerville CEO Kim Brooklyn and Chair of the Board Colin Pettit, moderated by MC Adrian Alaberg, who embraced the role of Willy Wonka for the day. Detective Superintendent Hamish McKenzie later delivered a powerful and moving speech, sharing the story of a young girl and her mother. He presented a heartfelt drawing the girl made of her Parkerville support worker, whom she called her ‘Superwoman.’ His words resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring many to contribute and underscoring the critical role of the MIST team in supporting children and families.
In a significant boost to fundraising efforts, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation pledged to match donations up to $50,000, effectively doubling the impact of community contributions.
If you would like to support Parkerville Children and Youth Care’s planned expansion into Joondalup, consider making a donation.
Visit www.parkerville.org.au/donate or email together@parkerville.org.au