The Emerald and District Rotary Club teamed up with Belgrave’s Puffing Billy Railway to raise a whopping $41,000 for Monash Children’s Hospital, all thanks to local kids running their hearts out to help other kids doing it tough.
For over two decades now, the ‘Kids Fun Run’ has been more than just a fundraising event — it’s become a much-loved tradition in the hills, and a proud example of what can happen when people come together for a good cause.
Held in late November last year, the 2024 ‘Kids Fun Run’ once again lit up Emerald with colour, energy and heart, with over 400 kids took part, running alongside the iconic Puffing Billy steam train, cheered on by more than 2000 proud parents, mates and locals.
Event chair Allan Douglas said it’s the simplicity of the idea — kids helping kids — that makes it so powerful.
“It’s such a strong message,” he said.
“When kids realise they’re running to help other kids who are sick, they really take it to heart. It’s not just fun – it means something.”
“And once parents and teachers see that, they jump on board too. It becomes something the whole community can feel good about.”
Despite some patchy weather, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric — with stalls, food trucks, live music, bubble makers, stilt walkers, and plenty of entertainment keeping the day lively and fun.
“We make it a proper family day out,” Mr Douglas said.
“All the stalls are kid-friendly, so the little ones can get involved and buy something with their pocket money. It’s all about creating that feel-good vibe.”
Thanks to the combined efforts of the Rotary Club, Puffing Billy Railway, local schools, families, and generous sponsors, the event raised a massive $41,000, which has been donated directly to Monash Children’s Hospital to support childhood cancer research.
In early April 2025, Rotary members visited the hospital to see first-hand how the funds are being used.
“We got to meet the doctors and researchers working on new treatments,” Mr Douglas said.
“They showed us around the labs and explained how these donations are helping to push research forward. It’s really moving to see the difference our local event is making.”
One emotional moment that stood out was meeting a senior nurse who had been through the trauma of her own child battling cancer – and who now supports other families facing the same journey.
“That kind of strength and generosity is so inspiring, it really brings home why we do what we do,” he said.
The stories from the event are just as powerful. One young boy, now in remission, returned this year not just to run — but to fundraise.
“He was one of our top fundraisers,” Mr Douglas said.
“He’s been through so much, but he still came back to give back. That sort of thing really stays with you.”
Looking ahead, the Rotary Club is already planning the 22 annual ‘Kids Fun Run’, set to take place on Sunday, 30 November 2025 – and the team is keen to make it even bigger and better.
“It’s not just about the money we raise – it’s about creating something positive for the kids in our community,” Mr Douglas said.
“In a time when there’s a lot of negativity, especially around youth, this shows them how good it feels to help others.”
Since it first began, the ‘Kids Fun Run’ has raised close to $1 million for children’s health, and the team has no plans of slowing down.
“We’ll keep showing up, year after year,” Mr Douglas said. “Because at the end of the day, it’s all for the kids.”
Whether you’re running, volunteering, donating or just showing up to enjoy the day, the ‘Kids Fun Run’ is proof of what’s possible when a community rallies around something that really matters. It’s local, it’s heartfelt, and it’s changing lives – one step at a time.
