ORGANISERS are expecting a good turn out for a community “Walk for William” in Yass this weekend.
The reflective walk is part of a national event aimed at raising awareness for the now four-year-old Sydney boy William Tyrrell, who was snatched from his grandma’s back yard in Kendall a year ago this Saturday.
Yass mum and co-organiser Simone Davis says she feels strongly about little William’s plight because she has two sons of similar age.
“It breaks my heart knowing what he and his parents must be going through, I cry every time something comes on about him,” she told Scoop.
“Yass has came together beautifully and I’m so proud to call this town home. Not one of the businesses I asked [for support] even questioned donating their products.”
Walkers will meet earlier at the eastern side of Riverbank Park on Saturday at 10:15am.
There will be a minute silence for William at 10.30am and then participants will walk around the low level river path for about two kilometres.
“When we return we will have an awareness talk from a police officer, then we’ll release 200 red and blue balloons and say as we do, ‘bring William home’,” she said.
She said participants could wear Spiderman suits or dress in red and blue, to commemorate what William was wearing at the time of his disappearance, and the walk will commence nation-wide at 10.30am – the time William went missing.
People are advised to bring sunscreen, a hat, sensible shoes, water and a packed lunch for a picnic afterwards.
Trudy Polsen and Simone Davis are organising the Yass event.
“Everything is organised for it, we are a ‘KISS’ event this year; Keeping It Simple and Special, with the hopes it will become a yearly event [for missing children].”
“We hope we get good interest and become a yearly awareness walk. There are well over 130 walks now nation-wide… uniting as one. I want everyone to hold their kids tight and be proud they are all part of such an awesome event.”
The vision of the event was not about raising funds or selling merchandise, “it wasn’t about asking Australians to dig deep into their pockets, but to dig deep into their hearts. And in the true Aussie spirit they have done this.”
A special report was broadcast on Channel Nine’s Sixty Minutes on Sunday, explaining the last sound his mother heard William say was a playful “roaarrr!” as he wandered out of her line of vision around the side of the house.
“Not everyone in Australia is able to walk for William due to other commitments so we want to put it out to all Australians, no matter where you are on September 12, if you’re unable to join a walk, help bring awareness to William’s disappearance and let’s make it William’s Day. At sporting venues across the country, food outlets, shopping centres; where ever you are let’s make William be heard – let’s make him ROARRRRRRR!”
Co-organiser Trudy Polsen told Scoop, “Someone out there knows something about William’s disappearance and hopefully by all of Australia pulling together, we can bring William home to his family.”
Participant Jess Howlett said she is passionate about showing support for William and other families afflicted by kidnapping and similar offences.
“This is an important day for the community to rally together with our families and take a stand in the fight to ensure the safety of our kids, all around Australia, against people who don’t value human life.
“Like most, thinking about our missing and murdered kids breaks my heart. As a community we stand together for the mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers who have been through the worst ordeal imaginable.”
Businesses supporting the walk include Yass Signs, Yass Newsagency, Yass District Printers, B&V Engineering, Blue Butterfly, as well as Wee Jasper resident Kim Gurrnarni, who plans to bring two large Spiderman kites.
“The pressure is on and let’s hope it brings this little man home,” Simone said.
Simone’s event page is here .
*Photo: Chris Broers and Kylie from Yass Signs with the banner made especially for Walk4William Day on Saturday.
PHOTO: Supplied
Community to ‘Walk4William’ this weekend
ORGANISERS are expecting a good turn out for a community “Walk for William” in Yass this weekend.
The reflective walk is part of a national event aimed at raising awareness for the now four-year-old Sydney boy William Tyrrell, who was snatched from his grandma’s back yard in Kendall a year ago this Saturday.
Yass mum and co-organiser Simone Davis says she feels strongly about little William’s plight because she has two sons of similar age.
“It breaks my heart knowing what he and his parents must be going through, I cry every time something comes on about him,” she told Scoop.
“Yass has came together beautifully and I’m so proud to call this town home. Not one of the businesses I asked [for support] even questioned donating their products.”
Walkers will meet earlier at the eastern side of Riverbank Park on Saturday at 10:15am.
There will be a minute silence for William at 10.30am and then participants will walk around the low level river path for about two kilometres.
“When we return we will have an awareness talk from a police officer, then we’ll release 200 red and blue balloons and say as we do, ‘bring William home’,” she said.
She said participants could wear Spiderman suits or dress in red and blue, to commemorate what William was wearing at the time of his disappearance, and the walk will commence nation-wide at 10.30am – the time William went missing.
People are advised to bring sunscreen, a hat, sensible shoes, water and a packed lunch for a picnic afterwards.
Trudy Polsen and Simone Davis are organising the Yass event.
“Everything is organised for it, we are a ‘KISS’ event this year; Keeping It Simple and Special, with the hopes it will become a yearly event [for missing children].”
“We hope we get good interest and become a yearly awareness walk. There are well over 130 walks now nation-wide… uniting as one. I want everyone to hold their kids tight and be proud they are all part of such an awesome event.”
The vision of the event was not about raising funds or selling merchandise, “it wasn’t about asking Australians to dig deep into their pockets, but to dig deep into their hearts. And in the true Aussie spirit they have done this.”
A special report was broadcast on Channel Nine’s Sixty Minutes on Sunday, explaining the last sound his mother heard William say was a playful “roaarrr!” as he wandered out of her line of vision around the side of the house.
“Not everyone in Australia is able to walk for William due to other commitments so we want to put it out to all Australians, no matter where you are on September 12, if you’re unable to join a walk, help bring awareness to William’s disappearance and let’s make it William’s Day. At sporting venues across the country, food outlets, shopping centres; where ever you are let’s make William be heard – let’s make him ROARRRRRRR!”
Co-organiser Trudy Polsen told Scoop, “Someone out there knows something about William’s disappearance and hopefully by all of Australia pulling together, we can bring William home to his family.”
Participant Jess Howlett said she is passionate about showing support for William and other families afflicted by kidnapping and similar offences.
“This is an important day for the community to rally together with our families and take a stand in the fight to ensure the safety of our kids, all around Australia, against people who don’t value human life.
“Like most, thinking about our missing and murdered kids breaks my heart. As a community we stand together for the mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers who have been through the worst ordeal imaginable.”
Businesses supporting the walk include Yass Signs, Yass Newsagency, Yass District Printers, B&V Engineering, Blue Butterfly, as well as Wee Jasper resident Kim Gurrnarni, who plans to bring two large Spiderman kites.
“The pressure is on and let’s hope it brings this little man home,” Simone said.
Simone’s event page is here .
*Photo: Chris Broers and Kylie from Yass Signs with the banner made especially for Walk4William Day on Saturday.