Today marks the beginning of the 100 day countdown to the 18th running of the Gold Coast Indy 300, and organisers could think of no better way to celebrate than by announcing its new-for-2008 charity – Kids Under Cover.

Kids Under Cover provides secure ‘bungalow’ housing for at risk young people, and Gold Coast teenagers 14 year old Faith and 17 year old Ruca spent this morning showing V8 Supercar drivers James Courtney and Shane van Gisbergen the plans for their new home, which is to be built on the property of their Aunt and Uncle.

Kids Under Cover will launch its expansion into Queensland in the coming weeks on the back of a successful track history in Victoria, and joins Surf Life Saving Queensland as an official charity of the Gold Coast Indy 300, which will hit the streets of Surfers Paradise on October 23-26.

Gold Coast Indy 300 Operations Manager David Bennett said being able to give back to the community was a very worthwhile and important activity for the Gold Coast Indy 300 team.

“While the Gold Coast Indy 300 is about providing a first class entertainment spectacle, it also provides a great fundraising platform for our nominated charities,” said Bennett.

“This year we are pleased to see Kids Under Cover join Surf Life Saving Queensland as an official charity and look forward to supporting their fundraising efforts in any way we can as they launch into the Sunshine State.

“Both of these organisations provide worthwhile services for the entire community and we know that funds raised will make a difference in many people’s lives.”

Kids Under Cover Queensland State Manager Kerry Gorman said the organisation’s association with Queensland’s premier motorsport event would greatly bolster its fundraising efforts as it launches here in the next few weeks.

“Queensland and the Gold Coast in particular holds the fastest growing rate of homelessness in the nation, with a large proportion represented by those 18 years or younger, and for that reason our expansion here makes perfect sense as there is a real need for our service” said Gorman.

“Kids Under Cover raises the funds necessary to build bungalows and provide scholarships for at risk young people, as we believe every young person has the right to a safe and secure home and a sound education.

“Bungalow accommodation also acts as a preventative measure, by allowing children to remain with carers even when the living conditions in the main house may be difficult.

“In the case of Faith and Ruca, who have so kindly showed us the plans for their Bungalow today, having a Bungalow installed on the property of their Aunt and Uncle means they need not rely on foster care, instead they can stay with their own family in a secure and stable environment while enjoying scholarships to the local schools.”

Kids Under Cover aims to raise awareness and funds through their partnership with the Gold Coast Indy 300 this year. These funds will be used to directly fund Queensland bungalow projects as well as education scholarships.

Tickets are now on sale for the Gold Coast Indy 300 with ticket options to suit everyone's needs. Four day Grandstand passes are available for those who prefer to watch the racing from the comfort of their own reserved seat or for those who prefer to wander around and soak up the atmosphere then a four day, weekend or single day General Admission pass might be more their style. For more information on ticket options click here. For information on Corporate Hospitality packages please call our Sales Team on (07) 5588 6800.

FROM THE DRIVERS...
James Courtney - Stone Brothers Racing
“Faith and Ruca have been showing Shane and I the site and the plans for their new Bungalow. This is the first involvement I have had with Kids Under Cover and I am really impressed by their work; it’s really practical help for young kids and adults who just need a bit of a hand,” said Courtney.

“Stone Brothers Racing always looks forward to the Gold Coast Indy 300 – it’s a strong round for us and it is only 100 days away now. We are racing at Queensland Raceway this weekend and it is always great to have the opportunity to race at home, especially at events like this.”

Shane van Gisbergen - Stone Brothers Racing
“At Stone Brothers Racing we are getting ready to head out to our ‘home round’ at Ipswich this weekend, so it was great to be involved in kicking off the 100 day countdown for our other home round, the Gold Coast Indy 300,” said van Gisbergen.

“Meeting Faith and Ruca this morning was an eye-opener. There is some amazing work going on locally with Kids Under Cover and it’s great to get involved to promote a very worthwhile charity.”


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