By ANEEKA SIMONIS
IN STEVEN Pope’s line of work, he comes across terrible tragedies that affect young, helpless kids.
Now a new dad, the Narre Warren police officer feels compelled more than ever to do his bit to help children in need.
“Every day brings new challenges at work … the hardest thing to deal with is children who have been in car accidents, affected by family violence or even school yard bullying,” Constable Pope said.
“It’s hit home lately, especially after having a baby that we don’t know what will happen in the future.
At four-weeks of age, baby girl Olivia Pope has stirred a paternal urgency within her dad who is now leading a fund-raising campaign for Royal Children’s Hospital.
Bucks for Bubs, which was launched in recent weeks is registered with the Good Friday Appeal and hopes to contribute over $30,000 before the annual event is held next February.
Constable Pope donates yearly to the appeal but said becoming a parent had made him want to do more.
“I have a five-year-old niece with tubular sclerosis and she has been in and out of the Children’s Hospital since she was born.
“I used to donate $100 each year but thought why not get behind it? If something did happen to my daughter, I’d know my contribution could help,” he said.
The charity has already raised $4000 in the last week and plans to host a range of barbecues, raffles, and auctions before the main fund-raiser at the Beaconsfield Community Centre on Saturday 21 February next year.
Since the Good Friday Appeal was launched in 1931, more than $258 million dollars have been donated towards new equipment and research at the Royal Children’s Hospital
Constable Pope said all donations were welcome and could be made through the charity’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/bucksforbubs.
“Every little bit counts,” he said.
