Australian Reptile Park supports children in need with ‘pay discover forward’ initiative

While current COVID circumstances are difficult for many people, they can be especially challenging for children in need and their families. In early July, the Australian Reptile Park introduced its ‘Pay Discover Forward’ program where NSW residents can “pay it forward’ with their Discover NSW Vouchers and the Australian Reptile Park will donate a double pass to charity on their behalf.

Not only can participants feel good about helping children in need, but they will also receive a $25 Discount Voucher for the Australian Reptile Park. This discount is valid until the end of August but once a ticket is purchased, visitors will have 90 days to visit the Australian Reptile Park.

The Australian Reptile Park has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia (Sydney, Greater Western Sydney and Northern NSW Chapters), Make-A-Wish Australia, Kids With Cancer Foundation, Central Coast Kids In Need and Barnardos Australia. On 1st September, the Central Coast-based wildlife park will tally up the charity selections and will distribute the donated double passes to each organisation.

Australian Reptile Park Director, Liz Gabriel advises “All kids deserve to experience the wonders of wildlife. As our way of paying the love forward, for every online Discover Voucher redemption through our website, we will be gifting a double pass to children and families in need, within their organisation.

“Not only do you get to help us support the happiness of kids who need it most, but you’ll also get $25 to use for a visit to the Australian Reptile Park! That means that you and those most vulnerable in our community get to reconnect with nature after the COVID lockdown lifts and the Australian Reptile Park reopens once again.”

Linda Nas, National Marketing Manager for the Kids With Cancer Foundation added “to put a smile on a child’s face whilst they are going through cancer treatment is priceless. To take time out from hospital appointments with doctors, waiting rooms and the confines of their own homes, makes the world of difference to a child with cancer. We are so excited to be part of the Pay It Forward Campaign with the Australian Reptile Park, to be able to pass on tickets to the sick kids and their families, gives them a bit more normal throughout this journey.”

“After only a couple of weeks of this initiative, we have already committed to donating over $130,000 worth of tickets to our charity partners! We hope that with support from the community, we can increase that number by ten-fold."

Gabriel highlighted “there are so many children and families who need extra help and now with COVID restrictions in NSW, things are more difficult than ever. If we can give them something to look forward to after lockdown, that makes it all worth it for us. We want them to just be kids again and discover the wonders of wildlife.”

The Australian Reptile Park also recently announced that it will be accepting Dine NSW Vouchers at its on-site kiosk, the Hard Croc Café. Visitors can also use their Discover NSW Vouchers on-site at Reception and the Gift Shop before they expire after 31st August 2021.

For those interested in helping give the gift of happiness to sick children and their families, you can pay your Discover NSW Voucher forward at www.reptilepark.com.au/paydiscoverforward before 31 August 2021. 

The Australian Reptile Park is located in the natural bush setting of the Central Coast of NSW, only 30 minutes from the start of the M1.The Australian Reptile Park will reopen after NSW Government COVID restrictions are lifted. After reopening, the Park will welcome visitors every day from 9am-5pm, with complimentary parking and BBQ facilities.

For updates about reopening, visit www.reptilepark.com.au

Image courtesy of Australian Reptile Park