Uniforms 4 Kids
The Brighter Future 4 Kids Foundation launched the world-first program, Uniform 4 Kids at the International Women and Law Enforcement Conference (IWLEC) in Cairns last week.
Co-patrons Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Andrew Colvin APM OAM and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM helped launch their latest program, Uniform 4 Kids, with Terri Irwin from Australia Zoo, AFP Assistant Commissioner Debbie Platz and Mrs Yvonne Pattinson.
The Uniform 4 Kids program was pioneered by Order of Australia recipient Yvonne Pattinson in 2015. Yvonne started recycling Queensland Police uniforms into clothes for children in remote and rural areas in Australia.
L-R: AFP AC Debbie Platz, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin, Terri Irwin, QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll
Commissioner Andrew Colvin was honoured to be co-patron of the foundation and thanks to the donation of used uniforms from various organisation including the AFP, ABF, QPS, QFES and Australia Zoo, clothing for children could be made.
“Our uniforms are collected and given to volunteer sewing professionals who make beautiful clothes which we distribute to the communities where we work around the world. Much to their delight, several items of clothing were recently provided to children in Papua New Guinea,” Commissioner Colvin said.
“This incredible program will see our uniforms continue to serve and protect our children not only in Australia, but the communities in which we work internationally.”
Terri Irwin explained the Australia Zoo uniforms have made their way to the Cape.
“For those kids in the Cape, they know that our khaki isn’t just a colour, it’s an attitude so you can be a little bit proud”, Terri Irwin said.
“The kids that got delivery of the uniforms from Australia Zoo are from Mapoon.
“They’re an indigenous community and so proud to have new clothes and really appreciate them.
We’ve recently taken delivery of some new clothes made from our old QPS uniforms and expect to have some sent to some of our remote communities in Cape York and the Torres Straits.
President of the Australasian Council of Women and Policing, AFP Assistant Commissioner Debbie Platz, says the conference is happy to provide the venue for the launch of the new, valuable program and announcement of the co-patrons.
Uniform 4 Kids media conference at the 2017 IWLEC in Cairns
Source: Cairns Crime Alert
