Save the date - 30th November 2025!!

Funds raised this year from the Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy
will support the creation of murals in the Children's Ward at the Angliss Hospital
 
Proudly Supporting 
 

To Register your child to enter a run visit

https://rotary-club-of-emerald-and-district.grassrootz.com/rotary-kids-fun-run-with-puffing-billy-2025

 
 
 
 

To Register for Train Ride visit

https://www.trybooking.com/DDHVQ

 
 

Inspiring Support for the Mural Project

For one local family, the Angliss Hospital has always been a trusted part of their lives. With three young boys - Luca (6), Jude (3), and Hugo (1) - the hospital has been there for some of their most challenging moments.

“We live about 20 minutes from Angliss. I also grew up around here, so it’s always been my local hospital” shared Becki, the boys’ mum.

Their most recent visit was when little Hugo was battling a severe virus. “He needed fluids and monitoring for respiratory issues. I was exhausted and worried, but the staff were incredible.”

This wasn’t their first experience with Angliss Emergency Department. Earlier this year, Jude was admitted with RSV, an infection of the lungs, and required IV fluids. “Both times, the care was amazing. The staff were attentive, compassionate, and always made sure we felt supported. I never felt like a nuisance and they listened.”

When Hugo couldn’t tolerate an IV, the team quickly adapted, using a gastric tube to help him regain strength. “They were checking on me as much as they were checking on Hugo. That meant so much.”

Small gestures made a big difference. “There was a little play area in the lounge, and the nurses even brought toys to our bed so Hugo could play. Once he had more energy, he loved the handmade wooden cars in the lounge.”

Now healthy again, the family encourages everyone taking part in the 2025 Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy:

“Have an amazing day! Whatever you can donate will make a real difference—not just to the hospital staff, but to the children who need care. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Emerald for supporting Angliss Hospital in this way.”

This year, funds raised at the event will go towards creating vibrant murals in the Children’s Ward, including spaces where kids wait before and after surgery. The murals will help make hospital visits less clinical and more comforting for young patients and their families.

 “A kid-friendly mural would be beautiful. Something bright and cheerful to distract the kids—and the parents too.”

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors

Puffing BIlly Railway - Major Sponsor
 
Without the support of Puffing Billy Railway, their staff and volunteers the Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy would not happen!
 
We are grateful for their continued support over many years and the enthusiasm they bring each year to ensure the success of the fun run.
 
To find out more about activities throughout the year, visit the link below.
 
Bendigo Bank Emerald & District - Major Sponsor
 
Thanks to the support of our customers, shareholders, staff and company board the Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group celebrates returning $6.8 million to local communities since opening in 1998. 
 
 
Thats Right Bookkeeping - Major Sponsor
 
Owned by Rotary Club of Emerald & District member Sangeeta Bajaj, Thats Right Bookkeeping has been a regular supporter of the fun run.  Thats Right Bookkeeping is a registered BAS agent and a great place to start if you need bookkeeping help and advice.
 
 
 
Robert Gordon Pottery - Major Sponsor
 

Our family have been designing and making pottery since 1945. We pride ourselves on quality and craftsmanship built up over three generations. Made to last a lifetime, our Australian designed imported collections are created with a strong focus on innovation and quality. Here at Robert Gordon, we are excited about continuing on the tradition of distributing the best pottery in Australia. Designed to be both stylish, functional and perfect for any style, you’ll find a wide range of mugs, plates, bowls, dinner sets and more.

 
Barry Plant Emerald
 
Barry Plant has supported the Kids Fun Run with Thomas every year - they are amazing supporters and terrific real estate agents in the hills.
 
Whether you are buying, selling or renting a home in our beautiful area, the team at Barry Plant Emerald are passionate about getting you a result you will love. No wonder we are The Hills' most awarded office and market share leaders!
 
 
Emerald Co-Op Mitre 10
 
Emerald Co-Op Mitre 10 has been a long-term supporter of the Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy and has been a staunch supporter of the event over the long history of the event.  We are so delighted they are a sponsor again this year.
 
Celtic Iron Personal Training
 

Celtic Iron Personal Training was created to help coach and inspire people to be the best version of themselves that they can possibly be.

We believe that no two people are ever the same so no two Training Programs should ever be the same. As your trainers, we will tailor your program specific to your needs, and it will be entirely unique to you.

A quality Personal Trainer can help bring out the best in you. We work around your schedule, your physical limitations, your fears and insecurities (we all have them) to help you achieve whatever your goals may be.

Whether you come to us for weight loss, to build strength, increase flexibility or help you prepare for an upcoming event such as a 10km run, we’re here for you!

Whatever goals you are striving for, you will have someone who will be in your corner no matter what.

 
 
Shine Sports Therapy
 
Shine Sports began in 2018 to focus on children with special needs to build the skills and confidence required to participate in Sport, whether it be at school, home or in the community. We are now located in a new larger modern warehouse facility with innovative technological interactions to help your child get moving, whilst having fun!
 
Our team at Shine Sports Therapy is led by a qualified Physical Education Teacher with over 30 years experience in Education and Sport Coaching. We are passionate about helping children, teenagers and adults with special needs or disabilities succeed. We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and helping our clients meet their goals.
 

 

 

A special thank you to Bounty Print for all their assistance with the collateral needs for the event.

 

A special thank you to Woolworths, Emerald for providing all the water bottles for the little runners after their exertions!!

A special thank you to Adam at Allscope for his support of the fencing costs for the event.

 

2024 Event Wrap Up

 
Fundraising Heroes
Run Winners
Run WinnersChange
The 24th November 2024 turned out to be another great day for the Kids Fun Run With Puffing Billy.  This was our 22ns Kids Fun Run with a total of over 200 entered.  Unfortunately, the weather was not kind and at sometimes wet, but despite that it turned out to be an enjoyable and successful day.
 
The Kids Fun Run is put on every year to raise money for a worthy, child-based charity and once again we gave all the proceeds to the Monash Childrens Hospital Cancer Centre, with a cheque for $41,000 to be presented.
 
The day would not be possible without the members of The Rotary Club of Emerald & District, their families and friends who turn out year after year with limitless energy and enthusiasm – many thanks.

 
We are always appreciative and grateful for the support the event gets from our major sponsors who are so crucial to the success of the fun run. They not only support us logistically and financially but make a huge contribution on the day itself.  Our Sponsors for 2024 were:
 
  • Puffing Billy Railway
  • Thats Right Bookkeeping
  • Triple T Insurance
  • Barry Plant Emerald
  • Pharmalytics
  • OrgMent Talent and Business Solutions
  • Computer Talk
  • Mitre 10 Emerald
  • Nooj Pub
  • United Panels

History of Kids Fun Run

 

The inaugural Kids Fun Run with Thomas was held in October 2002.  The annual event has grown to become the signature fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Emerald & District Inc. raising over $812,250 since its inception.  In recent years the children run alongside Puffing Billy therefore the event is now called 'The Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy'.

In keeping with the Fun Run’s theme of ‘Kids Helping Kids’, all of the money raised has been donated to projects supporting and assisting children.  The Fun Run is structured around 6 event runs, where kids aged 3 to 12 years, run against  Puffing Billy.

From the beginning, the Kids Fun Run with Thomas was seen to be multi faceted. It was viewed as not only a fund raising event, but also a community service event. With entertainment in the park, it has grown to be a ‘Family Fun Day’, and offers local groups the opportunity to conduct their own fundraising and promotes the township of Gembrook.

In recognition of the level of success that the event has enjoyed, in 2010 the event was awarded the Cardinia Shire ‘Community Projects Award’ and in 2011 was awarded the Rotary District 9810 ‘Community Service Award’.  Rotary International Awarded the Club with a Significant Achievement Award for the event in 2015.

FOR A DETAILED HISTORY OF THE EVENT'S SUCCESS PLEASE CLICK HERE