Plan’s charity wristband can change the life of a Commonwealth child

Among the caps, pins, scarves, bags, thongs, umbrellas and other gear available for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, there is one accessory that will make a difference to the lives of children throughout the Commonwealth – the Plan Children are our Common Wealth blue wristband.

Australian middle distance runner Craig Mottram sponsors a child in Kenya and has taken on another important role for the Games – honorary Plan Goodwill Ambassador.

“As an international competitor, I’ve seen the problems faced by developing Commonwealth nations such as poverty and HIV/AIDS.â€� Mottram is encouraging sports fans to buy a blue wristband and support the children of the Commonwealth. 

“The Commonwealth Games are more than a sporting event,� says the gold medal hopeful. “I want to use my profile to help children in the Commonwealth have a chance at a better life.�

During the Commonwealth Games, Plan volunteers will sell the blue wristbands inscribed with the words “Children are our Common Wealth� for $3 or two for $5. Funds raised by sales will go toward the most critical of Plan's projects. Including:

• community learning in Bangladesh;
• early childhood care and development in India;
• reducing vulnerability to HIV/AIDS in African communities;
• HIV/AIDS prevention in Fiji.

The wristbands will be available from Plan volunteers around Melbourne, Plan's Showcase at Interact@Birrarung Marr and the Plan website.

Plan - the non-religious, non-political international development and child sponsorship agency has been named as the first ever Commonwealth Games Goodwill Partner. The Goodwill Partnership is designed to assist children and communities in developing Commonwealth countries. The aim is to leave a legacy beyond the Games closing ceremony on 26 March.

Plan is devoted to increasing support for children in developing Commonwealth countries facing malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, poor education, sanitation and health care issues every day. Sponsoring a child through Plan costs $39 per month and is tax deductible. More information about child sponsorship and the Plan Goodwill Partnership can be obtained at www.plan.org.au or by calling  13 PLAN (13 75 26).

Photos of Craig Mottram wearing a Children are our Common Wealth wristband are available.