About Us
You did it!! You helped us raise $1,247,979.00!!
Thank you to the generous people of Victoria who have helped to ensure that Very Special Kids can continue to provide our important services to over 800 families caring for children with life-threatening illnesses.
The 2011 Piggy Bank Appeal results could not have been achieved without the support of our Appeal Partners and their wonderful staff and business networks. They are central to our fundraising and provide corporate donations and sponsorship funds, access to their retail networks and ensure we receive some of the important pro bono services needed to deliver the Appeal activities and their financial outcomes.
The 14th annual Piggy Bank Appeal runs from Saturday 3 to Sunday 25 September 2011.
The Piggy Bank Appeal is the biggest annual fundraiser for Very Special Kids which aims to raise over $1 million to support families of children with life-threatening illnesses. The Appeal runs throughout September with businesses, community groups and whole towns getting together to organise activities which raise money for this unique Victorian organisation.
Activities are often centred around a visit from one of the five giant (700kg) piggy banks. The piggy banks: Penelope, Percy, Princess, Patrick and George drive throughout Melbourne and Victoria. They are accompanied by a wonderful group of volunteers, visiting hundreds of towns and cities to collect donations, sell merchandise and distribute information about Very Special Kids. The 2010 Piggy Bank Appeal raised $1,250,000 and we're aiming to raise even more during the 2011 Piggy Bank Appeal.
The Piggy Bank Appeal was first held in 1998 and since then it has gone from strength to strength, each year becoming one of the most fun and exciting fundraising appeals in Victoria.
Founded in 1985, Very Special Kids has supported families facing the most challenging times of their lives, caring for a child with a life-threatening illness for over 25 years.
During our history, Very Special Kids has developed a unique range of services which include: counselling and emotional support for all members of the family, trained family support volunteers, a bereavement support program, sibling programs and family networking activities. Respite and end-of-life care is available at Very Special Kids House, Victoria's only children's hospice, where little miracles happen every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Very Special Kids hope to raise from the Piggy Bank Appeal?
Very Special Kids aims to raise over $1 million during the 2011 Piggy Bank Appeal
When does the Piggy Bank Appeal occur?
The Piggy Bank Appeal is held annually in September.
Why Piggy Banks??
At some stage in their life, every child has a piggy bank or money box so they can save for ‘very special things’. The Very Special Kids’ Piggy Banks are just bigger versions and the special things that we’re saving for is some 'very special kids'.
How can I help?
Members of the public can support the Piggy Bank Appeal in several ways:
- Display a counter pig of collection tin to help raise funds. Help feed the piggy banks by displaying one of our cute piggy banks collection receptacles or an official collection tin at your workplace. Click here for further information
- Buy some piggy merchandise you can Click here to get your hands on some piggy goodness by purchasing merchandise individually or order pre-packed merchandise boxes ready for any counter-top. The easy to display pre-packed merchandise boxes are offered to businesses on a sale or return basis.
- Run a fundraising event. Organise a pig-out, colouring competition, coin tossing competitions, cake stalls, wine tours, auctions, trivia nights, head shavings, sausage sizzles, cocktail parties, dinner dances and much more! Click here for further information on ways to get involved.
- Feed the giant piggy banks when you see a counter piggy bank or when you see our volunteers with one of the giant piggy banks.
- Attend an event that someone in your area has organised or attend one of the major events of the Piggy Bank Appeal. Click here to view the calendar of events.
- I'd pay to see that! Get your school or workplace involved and pledge a minimum of $500 to see your boss, teacher or principal dress up as a cuddly piggy for the Piggy Bank Appeal. Upon registration Very Special Kids provides a cute pig suit to your school or workplace. Click here for further information.
How big are the giant piggy banks?
The giant piggy banks are 2.91 metres tall, 4.6 metres long, 2.1 metres wide and when empty they weigh 700 kilograms.
When did the Piggy Bank Appeal start?
The first Piggy Bank Appeal was first held in September 1998 and since then it has gone from strength to strength, each year in September, becoming one of the most fun and exciting fundraising appeals in Victoria.
Who created the Piggy Bank Appeal?
In 1998, in conjunction with Tatterstall’s, Rod Bennett of BADJAR Advertising created the concept of the Piggy Bank Appeal, including the five giant piggy banks. The majority of Rod’s initial ideas for the Piggy Bank Appeal are still part of the Appeal today. BADJAR Advertising donated creative services to the Piggy Bank Appeal for the next seven years. From the start of the Piggy Bank Appeal, merchandise was sold and donations were collected throughout Tattersall’s Victorian network of Tattersall’s Outlets and Tatt’s Pokies Venues. Each year, the amount of corporate sponsors has increased, but Tattersall’s continues to be the driving force in the Appeal, with the staff from Outlets and Venues holding many fundraising events and activities to raise funds and increase awareness.
Who runs the Piggy Bank Appeal?
The Fundraising and Communications Team at Very Special Kids manages the entire Appeal, including event management, logistics, marketing, media relations, volunteer co-ordination and corporate sponsorships. There are many generous businesses who donate their service or products for graphic design, website development, printing and advertising and other logistical requirements of the Piggy Bank Appeal.
