What started this morning as a child safety lesson presented by Bruce and Denise Morcombe has ended with an unexpected $300,000 donation towards the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s mission to keep kids safe.
The Lott by Golden Casket surprised Bruce and Denise with the donation today while they were visiting The Lott’s Brisbane office to share child safety tips with staff.
The donation, funded from Golden Casket unclaimed prize money, will help the Daniel Morcombe Foundation continue its important work in child safety education. This includes growing its child safety education programs, holding child safety events, and supporting victims of crime and families of missing persons.
The Lott General Manager Andrew Shepherd said he hoped the donation would help the Foundation keep more children safe.
“Through the tireless efforts of Bruce and Denise Morcombe, Australian children and their families have a stronger understanding of what they can do to stay safe,” he said.
“As Bruce and Denise themselves have said, we can’t child-proof the world, but we can world-proof our children.
“Through important community initiatives, such as Day for Daniel, Safe Bedrooms, and Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson, along with a growing number of resources for children, parents, carers and educators, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation is bolstering our children’s safety net.
“Australia’s official lotteries have a long history of contributing to causes that support healthy and happy communities, and we’re privileged to be able to support the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and its vital work.”
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation co-founder Bruce Morcombe said he and Denise had been happily stunned by the donation.
“We have a strong vision for child safety in Australia. We believe the time is right to move the goalposts and achieve the best outcomes protecting children from abuse and harm,” he said.
“Last year, the Foundation’s National Day of Action on child safety education and awareness – Day for Daniel – reached more people than ever before, supporting children to recognise, react and report.”
“Thanks to donations such as this, we want to make a real impact by providing our education, protection and support so all children are safe from abuse and risk of harm,” Denise added.