Anti-bullying charity Dolly’s Dream and retailer Smiggle have teamed up to launch the Choose Kindness keyring to raise funds for the charity to support young people and their families.
As the nation’s kids head back to schools, the new campaign from Dolly’s Dream and Smiggle works at a grassroots level to remind children to look after their friends and classmates.
The Choose Kindness keyrings are just $2 and available from Smiggle stores all over Australia and online from Tuesday 10th January, with the proceeds from the keyrings donated to Dolly’s Dream for its work in changing the culture of bullying and addressing its impact through education and direct support.
Aussies are also invited to come into Smiggle stores to take the “Kindness Pledge” and receive a free Kindness Certificate designed to help families start a conversation
about kindness and bullying.
The proceeds from the campaign will help Dolly’s Dream support kids, their families, and communities. Plus, the charity said that it experience a “large surge” in demand for its services in the past 12 months and, as a result, it is expanding its workshops and Support Line.
“Our partnership with Smiggle is so helpful,” said Kate Everett, co-founder of Dolly’s Dream and mum to Dolly, who took her own life following ongoing bullying aged 14.
“With their thousands of fans around the country, Smiggle allow us to talk directly to Australian kids with this really important message.”
Dolly’s Dream general manager, Stephen Bendle, said the Dolly’s Dream Support Line is free for parents, carers, grandparents, and children who need help around bullying and associated mental health issues.
“There are wait times of up to 12 months for some country kids to see a counsellor and that is just too long. We offer a free, ongoing counselling service for anyone who needs it which is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“The demand for Dolly’s Dream workshops on anti-bullying and cyber safety have also reached an all-time high. Delivered in schools, community groups and to parents, these workshops offer a way adults can support their young people in dealing with bullying issues. We are also funding many of these workshops in rural and regional areas where schools may not have funding available.”
Families from around Australia helped Smiggle raise more than $50,000 for Dolly’s Dream last year when they keyrings were first used as a fundraiser.