IT&T industry keeps Australia’s ill kids’ futures connected

Stan Beer
Wednesday, 06 September 2006 20:44

IT Industry - Market

The IT&T sector has rallied together to raise an awe-inspiring  $360,000 for the IT Fund for Kids 2006 ‘Putting IT Back’ campaign, more than doubling the amount raised the previous year. The IT Fund for Kids is a national initiative exclusively supported by the IT&T sector, with proceeds from employees and their organisations funding programs designed to improve the quality of life for Australia’s seriously ill and autistic children.

The IT Fund supports both the Starlight Children’s Foundation who exists to brighten the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children and Giant Steps, a NSW School for Autism.  In 2006, the ‘Putting IT Back’ campaign roused overwhelming support throughout the IT&T sector, engaging companies keen to showcase their community spirit to their customers, partners and staff.

Funds were raised through a number of fundraising activities at ’the ‘Know IT All’ Dinner Challenge, where over 40 leading IT&T companies were challenged against their industry peers to be crowned the ultimate ‘Know IT All’.

‘Donate a Day’s Pay’ additionally inspired the support of Australia’s IT&T companies and their staff, who donated their days pay supported by their company in matching the total contribution.

Philip Cronin, one of six high-profile IT Fund Ambassadors and General Manager from Intel Australia, is eager to advocate the important role that the IT&T sector plays in the Fund, “I believe we can raise money, raise the profile of the IT Fund and raise awareness among the members of Australia’s IT community.  Ultimately, the benefits will flow to the children and the good feeling which that brings.  I hope that they [IT&T sector] would see the benefits that we can provide, and understand that the success of the Fund will show that the IT community can make a real difference.”

The outstanding generosity from the IT&T sector will bring the Starlight Children’s Foundation one-step closer to realising their goal.  Jill Weekes, CEO of the Starlight Children’s Foundation says, “Our goal of reaching ‘3 out of 3’ hospitalised kids is closer thanks to the efforts of Australian IT&T companies and IT departments.

“Technology is crucial in enabling sick children to stay connected with their family and friends when they are often isolated during their stays in hospital and extended recuperation periods at home.  We are extremely proud of the way the industry has supported the Fund and send special thanks to all who were involved,” she said. 

Barry Irvin, Chairman, Giant Steps is quick to reiterate. “It is always a challenge to provide resources that give children with autism all the opportunities in life they deserve.  The intensive, individual education and therapy programs at Giant Steps are only possible because of the support of such organisations as the IT Fund.  The Fund’s support again this year has assisted Giant Steps to continue to create opportunities and build skills for our wonderful students.”

The incredible support from the IT&T sector in ‘Putting IT Back’ will assist in enabling access to programs designed to improve the quality of life to the more than 600,000 children with a serious illness such as autism, annually. In 2007, the Fund’s aim is to increase Starlight and Giant Steps’ reach to assist more Australian children in need.

To find out how your company can join Australia’s leading IT&T companies in ‘Putting IT Back’ for Australia’s seriously ill and autistic children in 2007, please contact Nicole Curran at Starlight on (02) 8425 5933 or visit the IT Fund for Kids website www.itfundforkids.com.au.