29th November 2026

$39,000 was raised in 2025 from the Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy
to support the creation of murals in the Children's Ward at the Angliss Hospital
This year we are proud to support the hospital again.
 
Proudly Supporting 
 

Event Photos 2025

 

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.”

 

See story on Eastern Health Website  HERE

Thank You to Our 2026 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. 
 
 
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!
 
 
Cardinia Council
 
Support received via Cardinia Council's Grant program.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Red Energy
 
Red Energy is owned by one of Australia’s largest renewable energy generators, Snowy Hydro.
 

We provide a service you can trust, and our award winning customer service team is based in Australia.

 
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.

 

Showbag Sponsors

Grow2Be Disability Services
 
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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