More than 400 families attended Goodstart Fortitude Valley’s ‘Valley Street Festival’ last weekend to celebrate the centre’s refurbishment and new playground.
The festival packed lots of fun into just a few hours and though the petting zoo and reptile display were unsurprising favourites, there was plenty on offer for children and adults alike.
“We were so happy with the support of the local business community, it really helped us provide something for everyone at the festival,” Sarah Thompson, Centre Director at Fortitude Valley said.
“The petting zoo and reptile display were busy non-stop and encouraged children to engage and learn about animals, but we also made sure we had amazing coffee and food for the adults too.”
In addition to the animal attractions, the festival featured a performance from the New Farm State School choir, active play with Billy’s Buddies, market stalls, dance activities and a DJ.
“Connecting, and re-connecting, with our community partners through the festival has helped to open up new opportunities for the centre and the children.
“The relationship we have with New Farm State School, for example, is very beneficial to our kindergarten children who are getting ready to transition to school in just a few months,” Sarah said.
There was a serious side to the festival too, with nearly $2,000 being raised for Give Me 5 For Kids, a charity which supports sick children and families.
“Raising so much money in just a few hours is a real credit to all the hard work our staff and families put in, and we are so happy to be able to make the donation.
“We raised the money through a bake sale with goods made by our children and families, and through a raffle of prizes donated by families and our community partners.
“The generosity of everyone involved was amazing,” Sarah said.
The highlight of the festival however, was the way it brought together the centre’s staff, families, children and the local community.
“Seeing how much fun the children were having and how happy they were to be at ‘their’ centre really reinforced to us the important role we play in helping children and families at this time of their lives.
“Bringing everyone together was such a positive experience. You could feel a sense of pride in the centre from the families and our educators.”
The children at Goodstart Fortitude Valley are this week busily preparing thank you cards for the community partners and families who supported the festival.
The festival packed lots of fun into just a few hours and though the petting zoo and reptile display were unsurprising favourites, there was plenty on offer for children and adults alike.
“We were so happy with the support of the local business community, it really helped us provide something for everyone at the festival,” Sarah Thompson, Centre Director at Fortitude Valley said.
“The petting zoo and reptile display were busy non-stop and encouraged children to engage and learn about animals, but we also made sure we had amazing coffee and food for the adults too.”
In addition to the animal attractions, the festival featured a performance from the New Farm State School choir, active play with Billy’s Buddies, market stalls, dance activities and a DJ.
“Connecting, and re-connecting, with our community partners through the festival has helped to open up new opportunities for the centre and the children.
“The relationship we have with New Farm State School, for example, is very beneficial to our kindergarten children who are getting ready to transition to school in just a few months,” Sarah said.
There was a serious side to the festival too, with nearly $2,000 being raised for Give Me 5 For Kids, a charity which supports sick children and families.
“Raising so much money in just a few hours is a real credit to all the hard work our staff and families put in, and we are so happy to be able to make the donation.
“We raised the money through a bake sale with goods made by our children and families, and through a raffle of prizes donated by families and our community partners.
“The generosity of everyone involved was amazing,” Sarah said.
The highlight of the festival however, was the way it brought together the centre’s staff, families, children and the local community.
“Seeing how much fun the children were having and how happy they were to be at ‘their’ centre really reinforced to us the important role we play in helping children and families at this time of their lives.
“Bringing everyone together was such a positive experience. You could feel a sense of pride in the centre from the families and our educators.”
The children at Goodstart Fortitude Valley are this week busily preparing thank you cards for the community partners and families who supported the festival.