News 6 March 2008

Woodend businesses get behind Children’s Park

Fundraising for the Woodend’s Children’s Park has received a welcome boost from local businesses keen to support the initiative.

From March, the Woodend Pharmacy will donate a percentage of sales for all generic and Pharmacy Choice products in the store to the building of the Children’s Park. The eligible products will be highlighted with the Woodend Children’s Park logo and the pharmacy will display a tally of the money raised each month.

Pharmacist Steve Barker said he and his staff were very excited to be raising money for a cause that will benefit the whole community for years to come. Woodend Children’s Park Committee President Kellie Duff said she was very grateful for the pharmacy’s support and encouraged other local businesses to follow suit.

“A centrally located children’s park will boost local business by attracting families and tourists to spend time in the town centre,” she said.  

Ms Duff said she was thrilled with the support many local businesses had shown so far by donating items for fundraising efforts and displaying donation tins on their counters. In January alone the donation tins netted $525.20.

“I urge residents to look out for the Westpac car shaped tins when they’re shopping in Woodend, drop in their small change and support the businesses that support us by shopping locally,” she said. 

The Woodend Children’s Park Committee has so far raised over $25,000 thanks to the support of the Woodend community. The Committee intends to step up its efforts in the next few months with grant applications, sponsorship opportunities, fundraising events and partnerships with businesses and hope that the community continues its support.

“Woodend is the only town in the Macedon Ranges that does not have a decent playground for its 1200 plus children even though we are the third largest town in the Shire,” Ms Duff said. 

“The Woodend Children’s Park will be a community park, available to everyone.

“The Woodend Children’s Park will provide a place to play, exercise and enjoy being outdoors. There will be something for everyone in the community; large playground, bbq facilities, plenty of seating, shelter and a large expanse of open space allowing people to kick the footy or throw a picnic blanket down. It will provide a focal point for people to interact, form friendships and create a stronger community.”

For more information contact
Kellie Duff – 5427 1857, childrenspark@woodendweb.org
Media contact – Slavka Scott 0419 33 77 3

Woodend Children's Park Incorporated ABN 76 727 270 589