POLICE officers at Millicent and beyond have again opened their hearts to the needs of young children with a $30,000 donation to fund research into a cure for juvenile diabetes.
Made via the Cops for Kids charity, the cheque presentation took place ahead of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk charity event at Beachport on Saturday morning which attracted a gathering of 200.
Cops for Kids is a statewide organisation involving members of the police force donating part of their salaries to support worthy causes.
Formed in 2006, the group has hundreds of contributors and its committee includes Millicent police officer Sergeant Nick Patterson.
“We were approached by the JDRF for a grant to coincide with the One Walk at Beachport,” Sgt Patterson said.
“We think this is an excellent opportunity to better lives,” Sgt Patterson said.
Looking on at the presentation ceremony were police colleagues and Cops for Kids members Senior Sergeant Rick Errington and Senior Constable First Class Peter Phillips.
JDRF by promotions officer Tamara Aitchison and Beachport One Walk coordinator Clare Johnston accepted the donation ahead of the walk.
Attendees put their best foot forward for the 3.8km round trip, with contributions raising a further $4600 in sponsorship.
Ms Aitchison said the funds would be used by researcher Dr Toby Coates.
Families and friends in support of loved ones with type 1 diabetes travelled from Millicent, Naracoorte, Tintinara and Mount Gambier for the occasion.
Among the long-distance travellers were elderly Western Flat couple Chris and Glenda Grady.
They made the 400km round trip to support their grand daughter who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of eight.
There were a number of team entries with off-duty Millicent SA Ambulance Service officers swapping their regular green uniforms for the blue outfits of the JDRF.
Ms Johnston said her daughter was diagnosed in 2017.
“The JDRF is in regular contact with families and so we are not alone,” Ms Johnston said.
“It provides social occasions and awareness.”
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll said the presence of 200 walkers at the One Walk reflected well on the local population.
“We are a connected, caring and sharing community,” Mr Noll said.
Cops for Kids has previously made multiple grants to the Noorla Yo-Long youth training camp at Rendelsham and allocated $15,000 in 2012 to the Millicent and District Community Association
It went towards the purchase of an interosseous drill for the Millicent and District Hospital to allow staff to give fluids to very sick children and elderly patients quickly without having to wait to insert an IV line.
Funding from Cops for Kids several years ago led to the purchase of a swing for a young Millicent boy with a number of disabilities while other local recipients have included ac.care.
