CHARITY WINS FOR PUTTING SUNSHINE IN KIDS’ LIVES
A VOLUNTEER group that produces interactive toys and videos to donate to sick and underprivileged children has won a national award, beating the likes of Australia Zoo and Geelong Football Club.
Rainbows and Sunshine won the People’s Choice: Best Online and Digital Program for Kids in this year’s What’s On 4 Kids Awards – recognising excellence in the Australian children’s activity industry.
Rainbows and Sunshine produces a range of sensorydesigned toys, 3D music animations and books aimed at newborns to seven-yearolds.
Its self-titled 15 song album can also be heard on iTunes, Apple Play, Spotify and other streaming services.
The organisation is the brainchild of Lyn Rourke, an early childhood educator and former owner of a children’s drama and music school in Melbourne. She sold it and moved to the Gold Coast 22 years ago.
Ms Rourke was happily retired, but got back into writing songs when she had her own grandchildren.
“A friend of mine in the industry said I was crazy not to do anything with the songs, so I came up with the idea of Rainbows and Sunshine as a way to give back,” she said.
“We donate our products to many different organisations who look after children in need or who are disadvantaged.”
Gold Coast University Hospital Foundation is one organisation that has benefited from Sunshine and Rainbow’s generosity.
Ms Rourke said she was “completely shocked and humbled” with the award.
“We’re such a small organisation and we really do fly under the radar ... we all volunteer, none of us are paid,” she said.
Rainbows and Sunshine is funded by the Rourke Family, sponsors and online sales of its products.