World Kids Colouring Day - May 6

Australian children participate in global art initiative

World Kids Colouring Day - May 6, 2014

For the seventh consecutive year, writing instrument company STAEDTLER and Save the Children have joined forces globally in support of World Kids Colouring Day.  Children are again invited to participate in this colouring campaign to help vulnerable children. The concept is simple; children sell their artworks to raise funds which contribute to Save the Children Australia.

On World Kids Colouring Day, creativity knows no bounds: Whether individual pictures, colourfully drawn illustrated stories, picture galleries or exhibitions of children's art - the last six years has inspired an infinite range of artworks!  More than 1 million children worldwide participated in World Kids Colouring Day in 2013, creating imaginative and wonderful pictures at group and school events or at home. 

This year's colouring theme is -Picture stories – colourful trip around the world.' Children are encouraged to express what this means to them through colouring and drawing – from their own family holiday experiences – or destinations they dream of exploring, i.e. a country flag or national dish.  Anything is possible in a picture - creativity and originality are highly-encouraged.

STAEDTLER is calling upon all teachers, educators and parents to organise their own colouring events at school, kindergarten and home in support of World Kids Colouring Day, May 6.

Getting started is simple, visit www.world-kids-colouring-day.com.au where you will find a diverse range of materials available to download;

• Registration page for schools and organisations.
• Support materials incl. World Kids Colouring Day magazine, colouring templates, theme and inspirational ideas to help get children started.
• Teaching resources – developed by teachers for teachers to assist with lessons.  Educational information on the subject of exploring the world and ready-made worksheets for students.
• General information (how to contribute and make donations), and ideas on how to participate in the program (e.g. art exhibition, art auction, colouring day, sponsors for individual artworks etc.…)

Deadline for artwork submissions to STAEDTLER is June 2^nd. The lucky winners will be awarded with some great prizes up for grabs:

• Schools / organisations that enter as a class will have the chance to win the -group prize' of $1,000 cash grant plus a $500 STAEDTLER prize pack. 
• The most -creative individual entry' will receive a $200 STAEDTLER prize pack.
• There will also be prizes for -donation champions', with the highest donation nationally receiving an $500 STAEDTLER colouring set and all donations totalling more than $500 will receive a $100 STAEDTLER colouring pack.

The universal language of pictures is understood the world over and unites children on all continents. Colouring is an important form of expression, especially for small children still discovering their world. World Kids Colouring Day needs the support of adults to co-ordinate the fundraising events, encourage children to participate, and to help children understand how their contribution can change the world of a child less fortunate.

Save the Children is one of Australia's largest aid and development agencies dedicated to helping children, delivering programs in more than 120 countries, including Australia.  Despite Australia's wealth and high standard of living, many children struggle to reach their potential because they don't have access to protection services and quality education.  Funds collected from STAEDTLER's World Kids Colouring Day in 2014 will continue to support Save the Children's Early Childhood Care & Development programs working towards ensuring that every child in Australia enjoys a safe and happy childhood.

Paul Cashmore, Managing Director of STAEDTLER (Pacific) Pty Ltd, 'STAEDTLER Australia is committed to this annual event and its contribution to a meaningful, positive change through the support of Save the Children. We want to emphasise how important colouring is for child development and make a difference to the security and stability of those children who need it most – those who do not have the chance for an adequate start to equip them for the future."

Paul Ronalds, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Australia, explains:  'We work in urban, rural and remote settings across Australia, to ensure that children are happy and safe.  Our Early Learning Care and Development programs provide children the opportunity to enjoy safe and supported play, while providing opportunities to learn, grow and prepare for school."  Paul continues 'With the support of World Kids Colouring Day, children around Australia are helping other children in their own backyard, to grow up to have a safe and happy childhood". 

About

As one of the leading international manufacturers of writing, colouring and drawing instruments, STAEDTLER applies sound environmental protection programmes as part of its -efficient for ecology' ethic. STAEDTLER's philosophy as -a brand with tradition shaping its future' describes both the origin and dedication of the company. Quality, innovation, design and functionality characterise all STAEDTLER products.

STAEDTLER is proud to be the initiator of World Kids Colouring Day held May 6^th each year globally, to help more children in need. For further company and product information visit: www.staedtler.com.au or www.facebook.com/StaedtlerAustralia

For information on World Kids Colouring Day visit www.world-kids-colouring-day.com.au