Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney (RMHC GWS) has just announced Marko Panzic and Jarryd Byrne as Ambassadors for their upcoming virtual dance-a-thon, Dance for Sick Kids.
Dance For Sick Kids (DFSK) is a fun and simple way for dancers and dance studios to stay active and connected remotely during this time of isolation, while supporting seriously ill children and their families.
The first and largest Australian event of its kind, the campaign asks people to register (as an individual or team) to dance daily for one week between May 15 – 21.
Having just won TV’s Dancing with the Stars with celebrity comedian Celia Pacquola, Jarryd – who also runs Fit2Move says he is “so excited to be supporting DFSK”.
“Being a father of two girls, Dance For Sick Kids is a charity which means so much to me as it brings together my love for dance while raising awareness and funds for families in need. In uncertain times it gives us an opportunity to stay connected with communities and inspire people to move, dance and smile.”
DFSK’s has a TikTok page where dancers can recreate a new dance choreographed by Jarryd, specifically for the campaign.
Producer and renowned choreographer, Marko Panzic and The Dream Dance Company performers will also be running online dance workshops during the campaign week, which will be available to all who register. Marko too, is honoured to be involved.
“I wanted to get involved with this initiative, as a few weeks ago I visited Ronald McDonald house to cook for the families with my good friend Ricki Lee,” Marko explains. “This was such an eye-opening moment of the work that this incredible organisation supplies for so many families and children. I was so emotional leaving the house, that I wanted to do more and giving back become even more a priority for me. It is a privilege to be an ambassador for this cause, and to give people the joy of dance. The Dream Dance Company and myself want to inspire people, especially in these times, and what better way than contributing to a brilliant cause!”
The online sign-up asks participants to choose from three options; Baby Steps (half an hour/day); Groove and Move (60 minutes a day); Dancing Queen (120 minutes a day), or to nominate their own.
Over 2,000 families leave their homes in remote or regional parts of NSW each year, to receive treatment for their children at The Children’s Hospital Westmead. RMHC GWS gives them a home-away-from-home during the most challenging time of their life, at a cost to the charity of around $160 per night, per family.
“It would be amazing if everybody who registers could aim to raise $160, but this may not be possible for everyone. Every dollar will help RMHC GWS and every day dancing is a good one” says Marko. “Dance is a powerful language, it can transcend human beings to a whole new world, leaving your existing world for just one moment. It truly is a gift.”
To register visit www.danceforsickkids.com
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