Following the phenomenal success of last year’s inaugural event, Ginger Pride Rally organisers are promising a bigger, better and fierier follow-up in Melbourne on April 29.
With free ginger beer, vigorous games of ‘Ginger Beer Pong’, and a kid’s ginger activity zone, sponsor Buderim Ginger is prepping for a sea of red to descend on Federation Square where 1,000 people gathered in 2016 to celebrate their uniqueness.
Melbourne band The Vanns will be back again this year to entertain the crowds, with Luize Scott and X Factor standouts Brentwood also joining the line-up.
And for all the single redheads out there, Singles Events Melbourne will be playing coppertop Cupid with rounds of Ginger Speed Dating.
Buderim Ginger CEO, Roger Masters says, “We were blown away by the incredible turnout to the 2016 Ginger Pride Rally, and are so excited to continue this new tradition and provide a day of much-needed recognition for Australia’s gingers.
“This year will be even gingerier than last, with a range of new additions and activities for every attendee to enjoy.”
On a more serious note, the other added drawcard is that half of all the money raised from merchandise sales is going to official charity partner The Alannah & Madeline Foundation.
The foundation was set up in 1997 in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged six and three, who were tragically killed with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur, Tasmania, on 28 April 1996.
Its key objectives are to care for children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence; reduce the incidence of bullying, cyber bullying and other cyber risks; and, advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children.
“It’s a partnership and event that celebrates important values including responsibility, respect and appreciating difference,” says the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Lesley Podesta.
“A key focus for the foundation is to reduce bullying and cyber bullying and to build a safer world for children. Currently 1 in 5 Australian children report being bullied. We know that bullying can have severe, far reaching consequences.
“Events like the Ginger Pride Rally help to raise awareness about the significant effects bullying has on our community and provides a forum for discussion around the necessary steps required to support those adversely affected.”
