2017 in Review!
2017 is nearly over, and while we still try to wrap our heads around where the past six months has gone, the team at Little Heroes Foundation thought it would be fun to look back on some of the highlights from the last year, starting with:
Flotilla for Kids
There’s not much that can dampen our spirits here at Little Heroes Foundation, and although the weather did try, our Flotilla for Kids was again a success in 2017! Over 65 boats braved conditions to put on a fun day out on the water for our Little Heroes! Plus, with the boat’s fundraising and support from the local community, the day raised over $20,000! We are excited to be working on this event to return in 2019!
Kokoda Trek Success
In celebration of the 75th Anniversary, and also the 10th anniversary of our 2007 Kokoda adventure, Little Heroes Foundation decided to put together a team of trekkers to conquer the Kokoda track in 2017. We are so proud of the team, for conquering this incredible challenge, including gruelling mountain climbs, rickety bridges and rushing creeks throughout the trek, The slip ups, sore bodies and stinky clothes were all worth it, with the team raising over $75,000 for our Little Heroes Care program! Following the success of our Kokoda trek, we are excited to be taking expressions of interest for a new adventure tour, this time to Mount Everest Base Camp. Find out more >>
Slowdown
Our Slowdown returned again in 2017, with a new name, new teams and a new venue! The Finesse Built Slowdown saw the SANFL Legends face off against the Slowdown All Stars at Norwood Oval! The game, not without the usual goofy antics of Andrew Jarman and our players, was a major highlight of our event calendar!
Easter at the Airport
Little Heroes Foundation teamed up with Adelaide Airport for a special Easter surprise for our Little Heroes! With the support of the airport retailers and Qantas, our Little Heroes enjoyed special treats and an Easter egg hunt on a Qantas jet, in what was an incredibly fun day out for all involved! See the video below!
However, without a doubt, the biggest highlight of the year for us was being able to support some very deserving families through our Little Heroes Care program. These families go through the unimaginable when their child is diagnosed with a serious illness. Thanks to the continued support of people like you, we were able to make a difference, and help these families navigate their lives after diagnosis.
Little Heroes Foundation would also like to take this opportunity to thank Caroline Duncanson, who decided to ‘semi-retire’ after her final Slowdown for Little Heroes in September. During her 13 time for the foundation, Caroline championed many successful fundraisers including our Monopoly board games, revamped events such as Mother’s Day and Melbourne Cup, and took charge of our signature Slowdown. While we were very sad to see Caroline go, she leaves the foundation is some very capable hands (looking at you Samantha!), and we are excited to see what 2018 holds!
The team would also like to say a bittersweet (but not permanent!) farewell to our Little Heroes Care Program Manager Mel, who will be going on maternity leave to have her first child! Mel has taken charge of the care program since she joined the foundation in 2014, and while we are sad to see her go, we can’t wait to meet Baby Joubert in the new year!