The Australian Reptile Park’s Pay Discover Forward scheme is paving the way for kids in need and their families to enjoy a day at the facility now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing and the Park has reopened.
Under the scheme, NSW residents can “pay it forward’ with their Discover NSW Vouchers and the Australian Reptile Park will donate a double pass to charity on their behalf.
The initiative has been extremely popular with the Australian Reptile Park already having gifted $500,000 to its charity partners Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia (Sydney, Greater Western Sydney & Northern NSW Chapters), Make-A-Wish Australia, Kids With Cancer Foundation, Central Coast Kids In Need and Barnardos Australia.
With the voucher extension, two of the charities were overwhelmed with the success and decided to cease participation.
In their place Challenge Community Services has been added to the charity line up alongside existing partners Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia (Sydney, Greater Western Sydney & Northern NSW Chapters), Kids With Cancer Foundation and Barnardos Australia.
Photo: Australian Reptile Park
Not only can participants feel good about helping kids in need, but they will also receive a $25 discount voucher for use at the park, valid until the end of June 2022 to align with the government extending the program.
Park Director, Liz Gabriel, said all children deserve to experience the wonders of wildlife.
“Not only do you get to help us support the happiness of kids who need it most, but you’ll also get $25 to use for a visit to the Australian Reptile Park,” she said.
“That means that you and those most vulnerable in our community get to reconnect with nature.
“After two months of this initiative, we have already committed to donating over half a million dollars’ worth of tickets to our charity partners.
“We hope that with support from the community, we can increase that number ten-fold now the voucher program has been extended.
“There are so many children and families who need extra help and if we can give them something to look forward to after lockdown, that makes it all worth it for us.
“We want them to just be kids again and discover the wonders of wildlife.”
National Marketing Manager for the Kids With Cancer Foundation, Linda Nas, said putting a smile on a child’s face whilst they are going through cancer treatment is priceless.
“To take time out from hospital appointments with doctors, waiting rooms and the confines of their own homes, makes the world of difference to a child with cancer,” she said.
“We are so excited to be part of the Pay It Forward Campaign – to be able to pass on tickets to the sick kids and their families, gives them a bit more normal throughout this journey.”
To pay your Discover NSW Voucher forward go to www.reptilepark.com.au/paydiscoverforward before June 30, 2022.
The Australian Reptile Park will also accepting Dine NSW Vouchers at its on-site kiosk, the Hard Croc Café.
Visitors can also use their Discover NSW Vouchers on-site at reception and the gift shop before they expire.
Source:
Media release, Oct 8
Australian Reptile Park