More than 500,000 Easter eggs have been donated by Ernest Hillier and will be used during six hunts in between races. Each hunt will be dedicated to a particular age group, with two hunts held for children aged 4 years and under, 5 to 8 years, and 9 years and above. Free entry will be given to one parent with every child taking part.
In addition, Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation has been given naming rights to most races on the day, including the Easter Cup.
Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michael Rodd encouraged all families to attend this special day.
“I look forward to seeing many supporters and partners of Zaidee’s on Easter Saturday," he said.
"Organ and tissue donation is a cause that is very dear to me and I am so proud to be an official ambassador for the foundation. Your attendance and support will help us to inspire discussion on an issue that is critical to the Australian community.”
About Zaidee's Rainbow Foundation
Kim and Allan Turner founded Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation in memory of their daughter, Zaidee Turner, who tragically and suddenly died in 2004 at the age of 7. In the year she died, Zaidee was the only Victorian child to donate her organs and tissues. Her gift saved and improved the lives of up to seven other people.
Currently there are more than 50 children waiting for a transplant in Australia. Zaidee’s youth ambassador Coen Ashton, 14, is currently waiting for a double-lung transplant, while Zaidee’s junior ambassador Amelia Morgan, 6, is waiting for a liver transplant to save her young life.
On average around 140,000 Australians die each year, but the number of organ and tissue donors sits in the hundreds. In 2011, 337 donors saved the lives of 1,001 people.
“By encouraging parents to speak to their children about organ and tissue donation we hope that those family members currently on the transplant waiting list will have a better chance of receiving their transplant in time,” CEO of Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation, Allan Turner said.
Zaidee gave the greatest gift of all after she died, so others could live a better life and, in some cases, get another chance at living.
For more information please visit www.zaidee.org and Inspire Discussion on organ and tissue donation.
