Families, children and educators at Lifelong Learning Centres across the country have donned denim to raise funds on Jeans for Genes Day, Friday 02nd August.
Our centre communities are awash with denim and in some cases, double denim, with donations going towards the research, treatment and cures of genetic disorders.
Our Educators love to get in on the fun
“It’s important for children to take part in activities like this, to understand that even though other children may suffer from certain diseases, they’re still normal children and want to be involved in the same opportunities as everyone else,” said Laura Streete, Centre Manager at Papilio Early Learning Spring Hill.
“It really helps to build children’s empathy and understanding and helps grow their awareness.”
Jeans for Genes Day artwork from children at Milestones Early Learning Highfields
Jeans for Genes Day was created to conduct research needed to save children's lives. The organisation’s research is conducted at the Children’s Medical Research Institute and has so far helped eliminate Rubella, introduced care for premature infants and developed microsurgery techniques for organ transplants.
1 in 20 children face a birth defect or genetic disease and 30 per cent of children’s hospital admissions are due to genetic disorders which is why the work the team is doing is so highly important.
Even the garden bed get into the swing of things at Bambini Early Childhood Development Boyne Island
At Lifelong Learning Centres we are so proud to get behind the cause with children and educators wearing denim and donating a gold coin. Some centres even have some fun ‘Jeans for Genes-themed’ activities for their children to take part in.
“The Educators at Papilio Early Learning Spring Hill will be helping the children decorate jeans on Friday, and we can’t wait!” says Laura.
Activities and days such as Jeans for Genes support the Lifelong Learning Healthy Children framework, which includes the theme of Healthy Communities. This focuses on building community belonging, contribution and longevity.
“Across our centre network, we know it’s important to introduce community spirit to children at an early age, to help them develop an understanding of a team environment, giving back to the community and creating a sense of belonging for all,” said Head of Brand and Communication Carla Adams.
To find out what exciting community initiatives are being conducted at your local Lifelong Learning Centre call 1800 CHILDCARE.