Each year, we have invited Australians to show their support by participating in International Purple Day. This year we have joined the Make March Purple movement in support of the 250,000 Australians living with epilepsy.
Make March Purple is a national campaign supported by epilepsy organisations across Australia. It ensures epilepsy is in the spotlight for longer than one day alone, encouraging Australians to have conversations throughout March to break the stigma often associated with the condition.
School is challenging for all kids, but for a child with epilepsy, just getting through the school day can be a struggle. Not only do seizures impact a child’s education, but the side effects of anti-seizure medication include fatigue and behaviour changes. Then add the stigma and bullying among peers which can be detrimental to their self-esteem.
With 1 in 200 Australian school children living with epilepsy, you probably already know a student with the condition. Will your school help us turn things around?
Here’s how your school or centre can get involved;
- PURPLE DRESS DAY – Whether it be a purple outfit or hairdo, ask everyone to get behind Make March Purple. Remember to ask for a gold coin donation too!
- FUNDRAISE – Host a bake sale, sausage sizzle, raffle, Purple Disco, colouring competition, donation collections or anything you can think of to encourage students, staff and parents to start talking about epilepsy and get involved in helping those in need whilst having a great time.
- PURPLE PRINCIPALS – We also encourage schools to sponsor their principal, year coordinators or head staff members to wear a purple wig and sunnies throughout the school day to promote awareness (available to purchase here).
- BUY OR SELL MERCHANDISE – Encourage all members of your school community to purchase items from our specialty range of child friendly and cost-effective purple Merchandise.
- EDUCATION SESSIONS – Encourage your teaching and support staff to host an education session for epilepsy using Epilepsy Action Australia’s educational resources that are available to access, download and use to support your sessions. Access these resources here.
- EVENT RESOURCES & PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL – There is no need to dash to the party shop; We have you covered! Register your fundraiser and receive a FREE Purple Day Fundraising Host Kit. This kit includes balloons, streamers, string, donation jar and bunting cut outs, posters and a Make March Purple / Purple Day information guide to support you before, during and after your fundraising event. We also have an extensive range of downloadable resources to support your fundraising efforts!
- SHARE YOUR EVENT PHOTOS OR STORIES WITH US – We would love to see and hear all about your Make March Purple events! Share your photos or stories with us by tagging us on social media with #epilepsyactionaustralia #MakeMarchPurple or email us at epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au
Register your fundraiser and receive a FREE Purple Day Fundraising Host Kit. Once you have completed this form you will be granted access to the Make March Purple Resource Centre.
If you have any questions or need advice on the suitability of an activity, online fundraiser or event, please contact us on 1300 37 45 37, epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au or by hitting the get in touch button above.
We appreciate the time, energy and resources that are generously donated by our many fundraising champions each year. This Purple Day, we DARE you to make a REAL DIFFERENCE!
