Pin & Win Charity Partner

In partnership with Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Very Special Kids is proud to be the Pin & Win charity partner for 2019.

Pin & Win is the VRC’s flagship annual charity fundraiser and all sales of the Lexus Melbourne Cup souvenir pins will go to Very Special Kids supporting the upgrade of our children’s hospice.

Very Special Kids CEO Michael Wasley says “Very Special Kids is extremely proud to partner with the VRC. The current hospice is over 23 years old and requires an upgrade so we can stay up-to-date with the best clinical and support enhancements. By purchasing a pin, you are helping to support this upgrade to ensure our hospice continues to care for children and support their families well into the future.”

The Kiefer family are just one of the families that will benefit from the hospice upgrade.

11-year-old Alannah Kiefer suffers from an undiagnosed genetic syndrome and Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy which is a refractory epilepsy. Because of her condition Alannah requires 24-hour care for all her medical and personal needs.

Parents Caroline and Chris Kiefer access respite through Very Special Kids Hospice several times a year to help them cope.

“Having a child with such high care needs can be exhausting. This time allows us some extended rest periods and an opportunity to do things with our son that are otherwise difficult. We are able to relax, knowing that Alannah is being cared for by experienced nurses and having fun.”

VRC Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson said “the VRC is proud to partner with Very Special Kids for the first time and we encourage everyone who enjoys the Melbourne Cup Carnival to purchase a pin to support this charity and its important work caring for children with life-threatening conditions and their families.”

Upgrading the hospice will have a significant and long term impact on the future of Very Special Kids as it will allow for greater services, greater support and greater security in providing families the best care possible.

The Pin & Win campaign will commence in early September, with pins available at Flemington and a range of retail outlets.

More information on Pin & Win