John Maclean gets a BOOST!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 21/08/15

JMF Kids 4 Kids program gets a BOOST

The John Maclean Foundation (JMF) exists to change the lives of young Australians who use wheelchairs.

Little Alexia is enjoying the spring sunshine more than most thanks to hundreds of generous children who helped to buy her a special stroller. The two-year-old was born with Cerebral Palsy and was previously excluded from simple activities like play groups or walks outside with her family because of her condition. But last year she was a grant recipient of the JMF Kids 4 Kids Challenge and as a result, was gifted with an appropriate stroller that provides the support her little body needs.

Mum, Valia, said the stroller seemed like a small thing but it had been life-changing for Alexia and her family.

“JMF has provided our family with an amazing gift, a specialised pram for Alexia who has cerebral palsy,” Valia said.

“The pram has changed our lives and has given Alexia an opportunity to see life while safely and comfortable supported in the pram. She loves being outdoors and this pram has made that possible.

“We thank everyone responsible for making this happen. We are truly blessed." 

This year, The Boost Foundation is supporting JMF Kids 4 Kids and Big Kids 4 Kids for the second time and together we are aiming to raise enough money to give grants to over 20 families nationally.

“JMF is changing lives for families all over Australia and we’re so honoured and proud to be a part of this amazing work,” Adam Neill, General Manager of Boost Juice, said.

“Living without disabilities, it’s easy to take for granted simple things like being able to go where you want to go, when you want to go there. But if you need special equipment to help you do that and you don’t have access to it, just getting around can be a major challenge and it can really limit what families are able to do together.

“We’re aiming to change that equation for 20 families this year and give them back the freedom of mobility.”

On Saturday Sept 5, 2015 The John Maclean Foundation’s JMF Kids 4 Kids and Big Kids 4 Kids program kicks off for another year.

JMF Kids 4 Kids and big Kids 4 Kids is a fun and active way for adults and children to work towards completing an Ironman distance triathlon over a 4, 8 or 12 week period. Every week participants swim, bike and run a little whilst logging their km and raising money to grant little wheelies the basic equipment they need to remain active and included in their everyday lives.

This challenge is not a race, it is about encouraging healthy lifestyles in children and adults with the knowledge they are helping to change the lives of children like Alexia who live in wheelchairs.  

KM’s can be accumulated whilst playing weekend sports like footy, soccer, netball, basketball or whilst riding to school/work or taking swimming lessons. It is all about giving it your best shot.

At the conclusion of the program participants are invited to join the Foundation at a grant presentation where they will be awarded their finishers T-Shirts, presented their medals and finishers certificates by John Maclean and most importantly meet the children and the families like Alexia the money they have raised has helped.

CEO of The John Maclean Foundation, Tiffany Loftus-Hills said today “Without the support and generosity of Companies like BOOST, JMF could not touch the lives of as many families as we do.

With BOOST supporting programs like JMF Kids 4 Kids and Big Kids for Kids they are not only helping JMF change lives of young Australian’s in wheelchairs but helping us create an active, healthy and grateful generation of youths who gain the understanding of what is feels like to help others.”

JMF has added Big Kids 4 Kids to this year’s challenge. Big Kids 4 Kids enables adults to get involved and cover the Ironman distance triathlon over 12, eight or four weeks whilst raising money along the way. It’s a great way to get active, take on a challenge and either together with friends or on your own become Ironman.

To get involved register at http://supportjmf.com.au/event/JMFKidsandBig4Kids2015, and get ready to start a challenge that will change your life and those of young Australian’s living in wheelchairs.

If you would like any more details about JMF Kids 4 Kids or the Nepean Triathlon JMF wave please register your interest by emailing – tiffany@jmf.com.au