On Saturday 18 May, uniform and equipment provider Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) unveiled ‘DIGGER’, the Plushie Pup with a Purpose in partnership with the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation (AKKF).
The event took place at the award-winning, interactive science centre, ‘TwistED Science’, Moorabbin, Victoria. DIGGER represents the commitment of ADA and AKKF to support the mental health and well-being of young individuals across Australia.
With every plushie purchased, all proceeds will directly support the AKKF programs that support the unique needs of young people from current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) families.
Through ADA’s longstanding partnership with AKKF, the initiative recognised the service of both human and four-legged heroes, and focused on the official debut of DIGGER, a Plushie Pup with a Purpose.
DIGGER was formally introduced by Police Special Operations Veteran and ADA representative Jason Semple, former Australian Special Forces Major and advocate for mental health Heston Russel and Kookaburra Kids Ambassador Belinda Neil, a passionate advocate of the importance of prevention and early intervention of mental health.
“Early intervention with a focus on the provision of psychological and resilience measures, are essential tools for emotional regulation, which in turn provide proven cognitive avenues that allow our kids to transform post traumatic events into ‘post traumatic growth.”
“We are so excited to continue our partnership with Australian Defence Apparel,” said Renée Coffey, CEO of Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation. “To date, ADA has generously contributed $75,000 to Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation programs, providing crucial support to young people in families impacted by mental illness.
Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation Children with K9 Military Training Dog. Image supplied.
“Along with ADA’s unwavering support of Kookaburra Kids, this initiative marks a significant step forward in recognising the invaluable service of our heroic four-legged soldiers, who stand alongside their courageous human counterparts.”
According to Chris Dixon, CEO of Australian Defence Apparel, DIGGER embodies ADA’s commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of young individuals across Australia.
“Through the DIGGER Plushie Program and our partnership with AKKF, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these courageous individuals and provide a beacon of hope for children navigating difficult circumstances,” he said.
“We are proud to be a founding partner of the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation, and honoured to present DIGGER as a conduit for raising funds that empower young individuals.”
Guests had the unique opportunity to engage with a real-life, kitted-up German Shepherd personnel dog travelling down especially for this event from K9 Training Centre in Canberra.
“Early intervention with a focus on the provision of psychological and resilience measures, are essential tools for emotional regulation, which in turn provide proven cognitive avenues that allow our kids to transform post traumatic events into ‘post traumatic growth,” remarked ADA’s Jason Semple.
“Teaching our kids to harness the effects of adversity in a manner which promotes positivity and long term healthy psychological pathways, will promote resilience & happiness now and as they transition into adulthood,” he said.
L-R: Jason Semple, Heston Russel, and Belinda Neil. Image supplied.
