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Frequently Asked Questions - Piggy Bank Appeal

How much does Very Special Kids hope to raise from the Piggy Bank Appeal?

Very Special Kids aims to raise over $1 million during the 2008 Piggy Bank Appeal.

When does the Piggy Bank Appeal occur?

The Piggy Bank Appeal is held annually in September. The 2008 Appeal will run for just over three weeks from 5 – 28 September.

How can I help?

Members of the public can support to the Piggy Bank Appeal in several ways:

1. Display a counter pig or collection tin to help raise funds. Help feed the piggy banks by displaying one of our cute piggy banks collection receptacles at your workplace or an official collection tin.

2. Buy some piggy merchandise you can click here to get your hands on some piggy goodness by purchasing merchandise individually or order pre-packed merchandise boxes ready for any counter-top. The funky pre-packed merchandise boxes are offered to businesses on a sale or return basis.

3. Run a fundraising event. Organise a pig-out, colouring competitions, coin tossing competitions, cake stalls, wine tours, auctions, trivia nights, head shavings, sausage sizzles, cocktail parties, dinner dances and much more!

4. Feed the giant piggy banks when you see a counter piggy bank or when you see our volunteers with one of the giant piggy banks.

5. Attend an event that someone in your area has organised or attend one of the major events of the Piggy Bank Appeal.

6. I’d pay to see that! This new initiative involves staff pledging a minimum of $1,000 to see their boss dressed up as cuddly piggy for the Piggy Bank Appeal. Upon registration Very Special Kids provides a very cute pig suit to the organisation.

7. Buy a house! Metricon is auctioning a Very Special Home in Shepparton on Saturday 4 October and is also donating $250 for every deposit paid on a new home in September.

What kind of merchandise can I buy?

We have some fabulous merchandise including funky pig tag necklaces (‘dog tag’ style), pink awareness bracelets, plush pig fridge magnets which are mini versions of Penelope, Percy, George and Princess - the giant piggy banks, pink lanyards, re-usable pig shopping bags, corporate and novelty pens, piggy keyrings, lapel pins, piggy banks and Very Special Kids t-shirts.

What are the major activities of the Piggy Bank Appeal?

There are many events which happen over the month of September in Victorian towns and suburbs.

Piggy Trails?

What: The Piggy Trails are the major highlight of the Piggy Bank Appeal. The trails happen during two weeks when teams of volunteers drive the giant piggy banks (towed by Toyotas) throughout Melbourne and Victoria, visiting hundreds of towns and cities to raise funds for Very Special Kids.
At each pig stop, volunteers in pink pig suits collect donations, sell merchandise and distribute information about Very Special Kids. Many different activities are held depending on the stop, including three-legged races, children’s games and sausage sizzles.

When and where: The 2008 metro trails will run from Wednesday 10 to Wednesday 17 September. 2008 regional trails will run from Friday 19 to Thursday 25 September

Footy Fever Debate

What: A humorous and sometimes fiery debate between high profile footballers and football personalities. The debate is held over a gourmet breakfast overlooking the MCG.

When: Friday 5 September 2008

Where: MCG Members Dining Room

How big are the giant piggy banks?

The giant piggy banks are 2.91 metres tall, 4.6 metres long, 2.1 metres wide and when empty, they weigh 700 kilograms.

When did the Piggy Bank Appeal start?

The first Piggy Bank Appeal was first held in 1998 and since then it has gone from strength to strength, each year becoming one of the most fun and exciting fundraising appeals in Victoria.

Who created the Piggy Bank Appeal?

In 1998, in conjunction with Tattersall’s, Rod Bennett of BADJAR Advertising created the concept of the Piggy Bank Appeal, including the five giant piggy banks. The majority of Rod’s initial ideas for the Piggy Bank Appeal are still part of the Appeal today. BADJAR Advertising donated creative services to the Piggy Bank Appeal for the next seven years. From the start of the Piggy Bank Appeal, merchandise was sold and donations were collected throughout Tattersall’s Victorian network of Tattersall’s Outlets and Tatt’s Pokies Venues. Each year, the amount of corporate sponsors has increased, but Tattersall’s continues to be the driving force in the Appeal, with the staff from Outlets and Venues holding many fundraising events and activities to raise funds and increase awareness.

Who runs the Piggy Bank Appeal?

The Fundraising and Communications Team manages the entire Appeal, including event management, logistics, marketing, media relations, volunteer co-ordination and corporate sponsorships. There are many generous businesses who donate their service or products for graphic design, website development, printing and advertising and other logistical requirements of the Piggy Bank Appeal.

Who are the sponsors of the 2008 Piggy Bank Appeal?

Very Special Kids has some amazing support from its corporate sponsors. Each year, our sponsors really get behind the Appeal and raise thousands of dollars for Very Special Kids. Sponsors provide cash donations, logistical support, gifts in kind and media coverage for the Appeal.

Principal Sponsor

Tatt's Group - www.tattersalls.com.au

Major Sponsors

Commonwealth Bank of Australia – www.commbank.com.au

HBA – www.hba.com.au

Metricon Homes – www.metricon.com.au

Supporting Sponsors

BPA – www.bpabooks.com.au

Ckaos ink – www.ckaosink.com.au

Cubed – www.cubedcommunications.com.au

Duncan's – www.duncans.com.au/

Komodo CMS – www.komodocms.com