‘Go Orange’ in May for a good cause
Tasmanians are being urged to embrace brightness this May and “Go Orange” for muscular dystrophy.
The campaign, launched on Thursday, intends to shine a light on the neuromuscular disorder that about 1000 people in Tasmania live with.
“The whole point of the ‘Go Orange’ campaign is so that people across Tassie talk about disability with a little more confidence and with the right approach to inclusion,” Muscular Dystrophy Tasmania state co-ordinator Di Carter said.
Businesses, individuals and groups are encouraged to think of creative ways to incorporate the colour orange while raising funds or awareness for the disorder – which can result in a young person needing to use a wheelchair before the age of 10.
Examples of fundraising initiatives include Wrest Point’s Birdcage Bar offering orange cocktails, or hosting a dress-up party, putting on an orange-themed morning tea or hosting an orange soup night.
From June 3-9, Go Orange week will see Wrest Point lit up in orange. In the North, Devonport’s paranaple centre and Waratah-Wynyard council offices will shine bright for the campaign.
Tasmanian musical theatre star and Muscular Dystrophy Tasmania ambassador John X said it was important to find ways to raise funds for those affected by the condition.
The entertainer recalled one of his first campaigns as an ambassador was raising funds for a new wheelchair for a young girl in Gagebrook.
“She needed a chair because she was getting older and her parents needed a van to move her around,” he said.