NZ Idol Judge Megan Alatini launches Barnardos Big Toddle

N Z Idol Judge Megan Alatini will join youngsters in Mangere as they put their best feet forward in the Barnardos Big Toddle on 1 November.

Megan, a long-time supporter of the child-focused organisation, will join the children from the Barnardos Early Learning Centre in Mangere as they scramble through a sponsored obstacle course in their local leisure centre. She will then present all the participants with Big Toddle medals.

The Mangere Big Toddle is the first in a line up of almost 170 sponsored walks/events taking place throughout New Zealand in November. About 7000 children are expected to take part.

"We've seen a surge of interest in this year's Big Toddle," says Julie Van Herel, the Barnardos Big Toddle National Coordinator. "In last year's inaugural Big Toddle nearly 4000 children from 100 early childhood groups took part."

"The great thing about the Barnardos Big Toddle is everyone's a winner. The Big Toddles are great opportunities to get out, get active and have fun and every child who takes part is awarded a medal. At least 75 per cent of the money raised will help Barnardos help children in need through its child and family services, with the organising group able to keep the remainder for its own early childhood project or another local cause. It's a great way of encouraging children to help other children."

"We are absolutely delighted to see so many children and their families getting involved this year."

Barnardos works with more than 10,000 children, young people and their families each year through programmes such as the Family Support Service, parenting courses, domestic violence counselling, Foster Care and Children's Contact Services in communities across the country.

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