Article from Bayside Bulletin
18/10/2010
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THE Matthew Stanley Foundation reached another milestone at the weekend when it launched its new Walk Away Chill Out program and raised $19,000 at the inaugural gala dinner.
The WACO program, adopted from the Walk Away Cool Down program, started in north Queensland towns, offers young people an alternative to hanging around and letting a potentially dangerous situation get out of hand.
WACO, to be rolled out in participating schools, was launched at Trade Secret, Alexandra Hills, on Saturday.
Each school will display a banner at the entry point to the grounds and stickers on classroom windows.
The gala dinner on Saturday was held at Easts Leagues Club, Coorparoo, which has donated $22,000 to the cause.
Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson, one of the guests, said the new move from the Matthew Stanley Foundation was a “very worthwhile endeavour”.
“This is a great credit to all involved. I think unfortunately, it is difficult to measure the extent of the tragedies that have been prevented because of the work of the foundation, but to prevent even one death, makes all of the hard work they do worthwhile,” Com Atkinson said.
The memorabilia auctioned included a signed and framed 2010 State of Origin maroons jersey, which sold for $3000, a 1994 Brisbane Broncos harlequin jersey, which went for $2000 and Cleveland artist Scott Christionson’s painting for $1000.
Paul Stanley said the auction was a chance to assist the foundation to help more youths live without the deep trauma that comes from violence.
“I was also chuffed that a lot of Matty’s friends were there and they were bidding on items as well,” Paul said.
The foundation was established by Paul and his family after son Matthew died in 2006, after being punched at a party.
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