The much-anticipated annual Melbourne Cup KIND fundraising event at The Sheraton Glade is just around the corner, serving as a vital reminder of why this day is so important for supporting local sick children and families.

Taking place on Tuesday, 4 November, the Melbourne Cup event supports KIND (Kids in Need Donations), a charity that has spent over 17 years helping around 50 local families. 

The day includes a three-hour drinks package, lunch by Head Chef Belinda, live races, a horse auction, fashion competitions, raffles, and $10,000 up for grabs in the CASH 4 KIND draw.

All funds raised go directly to the 22 local families KIND currently supports, helping cover expenses such as travel for treatment, hospital transport, meals, and lost income while caring for children.

Danielle Bellero, President of KIND, explained the importance of the Melbourne Cup fundraiser for the charity:

“The Melbourne Cup Day is our biggest fundraising event of the year. In a single day, we typically raise between $12,000 and $16,000, which goes directly to supporting local families. 

“Most of our children cannot be treated locally and require treatment in major cities, which involves significant costs for travel, accommodation, taxis, and meals. 

“These are expenses the government doesn’t cover, and our support helps families stay together while their children undergo surgery or treatment.”

In some cases, KIND has funded life-changing medical equipment. 

“For children with Type One Diabetes, we’ve been able to fund insulin pumps that monitor and inject blood sugar automatically,” Ms Bellero said. 

“These pumps cost around $10,000 each and aren’t covered by the government, so our support makes a real difference in their daily lives.”

Ms Bellero said the fundraising event is about more than just fundraising.