The Rotary Club of Emerald and District’s Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy returns to the Puffing Billy Railway Station in Gembrook on Sunday, 30 November.
The popular event designed for children aged three to 12 has brought many families together in the past for a day of running, colour and community spirit.
This year’s fundraiser will help create a ‘Healing Mural’ for the Children’s Ward at Eastern Health Foundation, William Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully.
The mural will be painted by Artist Tess Dawson, who created a similar artwork for the Children’s Ward at the Box Hill Hospital.
Rotary treasurer Shalini Penny (2025–2026) said the project was chosen because of the difference it can make to young patients.
“Children entering hospital can be quite traumatised by the experience and by having a distraction that they can interact with brings calmness,” she said.
“They have the ability to improve patients outcomes and studies have shown that they reduce reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and promote a sense of well-being.”
The club invited several local hospitals to apply as this year’s beneficiary and Penny said William Angliss Hospital’s proposal stood out after members were able to view the Box Hill mural and see its effect firsthand.
“The application from William Angliss was different and allowed us to view the Box Hill one and gauge whether suitable by seeing the patients there interacting favourably,” she said.
Over the years, the Fun Run has evolved into a major event on the local calendar.
“Over the years we have become experienced at running a comprehensive event that all the family can enjoy, whilst the runs are restricted to a specified age group the remainder of the family can enjoy the added value attractions of Stilt people, bubble blowing, market and food stall,” Penny said.
“The aim is to raise funds for the charity whilst giving the attendees a fun packed day without having to spend a fortune and a realisation that a rotary club has orchestrated this. If rotary can inspire the public that they too can become involved in the process then our job is well done.”
Penny said community engagement, including help from the media, plays a vital role.
“Without being able to spread the word and generate interest we are unable to hold a viable event, the Communities needs are always in mind and we have to use whichever channels are available to achieve a successful outcome,” she said.
Support has already been strong, from both families and local businesses.
“Registrations are over 300 currently and the local businesses have again got behind the event and we ensure that we promote the fact that we have generous sponsors and include them in our flyers and social media,” Penny said.
For many children, the Fun Run is a milestone.
“In some cases this is the first time a child will have taken part in a sporting event and when they have completed their run they are thrilled to bit and their parents are very proud,” she said.
“Lookers on love to see the reactions. For those who have attended before, they have an idea of what to expect, however there is always something different each year – ie this year there will be a Teddy Bear hospital included. Overall, it provides fun and is a satisfying day out.”
The funds raised will directly support the new mural project to bring comfort and a sense of calm to young patients and their families.
Penny said her motivation remains simple.
“It is what we do, rotarians want to help the community and every cause that we work on is special to us. Seeing the end goal in place and hearing positive feedback from recipients makes it worthwhile,” she said.
