A TELEVISION program about the loss of young Daniel Morcombe, kidnapped and murdered in 2003, deeply affected one local family, and set the wheels in motion for a Walk for Daniel, taking place in Inverell next Saturday.
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Nicole Lavender and her two daughters Tara aged 6 and Amber, 12 saw the 60 Minutes episode in March this year, detailing Daniel’s story.
After his disappearance in 2003, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation was established by his parents Bruce and Denise Morcombe in 2005.
His remains and killer were discovered in 2011.
The foundation dedicated October 31 as the Day for Daniel to increase awareness about child protection, raise funds for free materials, and empower children to recognise, react and report situations that could compromise their safety.
Nicole said the 60 Minutes program struck a deep chord with her girls and they wanted to do something to help out other kids.
“And at that point, I thought, ‘I’ve got to do something locally,’” she said.
“For us, it impacted us as a family, and I’ve got two young daughters, and it’s just a matter of ‘stranger danger’ and keeping our kids safe.”
Nicole contacted the foundation and received support for the event that in a stroke of luck, falls close to the Day for Daniel.
The walk will begin at Campbell Park on Saturday, October 25 at 11am. Nicole encourages every walker to wear red and there will be red balloons on hand. The walk will progress to Victoria Park to join in the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic festivities.
She said her daughters were determined to take action as well and they are passing out flyers around the community for the event.
Amber said it was important for kids to keep things in mind about safety and tell their parents if they have worries.
“Just to be aware of all the dangers out there.
“They shouldn’t talk to stranger. They shouldn’t interact with them or anything,” she said.
For more information, contact Nicole Lavender on 0421 692 792.