Save the date Australia – September 12th is child protection charity Bravehearts annual White Balloon Day and this years key question is #whoRUprotecting?

Be it your own child, your grandchildren, nephews and nieces, a friend or neighbours child or all of the children in Australia, our community is being urged to act in protection of the special child or children in our lives.

White Balloon Day this September is Bravehearts national campaign to raise funds and awareness to help eliminate child sexual assault in our community.

It’s an alarming statistic that 1 in 5 Aussie kids will be sexually assaulted in some way before they turn 18. Bravehearts has launched a new campaign this year as part of White Balloon Day to help tackle this enormous issue and protect our children, using the cult movement of selfies to encourage mass participation.

White Balloon Day celebrates it’s 18th birthday this year and following the success of last year, with over 1300 national fundraising events held by local communities, Bravehearts founder, CEO and winner of 2014 Ernst & Young Queensland Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Hetty Johnston urges the community to get on board.

According to Ms Johnston, child protection is the responsibility of our entire community and we can stand up for the children in our lives on White Balloon Day by registering an event and pledging support through posting a selfie.

“Child sexual assault is preventable. By helping us, we can put a stop to it. Let’s do this as a nation and together we can exact change and make a big difference to so many” Ms Johnston said.

Funds raised for Bravehearts will allow this proactive charitable organisation to continue to deliver counseling, support, education, case management and training to some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

Need some inspiration for a White Balloon Day event? How about hosting a “white” morning tea at home or in your workplace? Other ideas include a wear white day at school or work or getting involved in a group “wear white walk”.

Whatever your event, pledge your support for Bravehearts and for the children you want to protect and take a #whoRUprotecting? selfie, then share on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Want to get all kitted out in white? Grab a “Protect Kids” official campaign t-shirt here and wear white with pride this September.

To participate, donate or to seek help, visit the White Balloon Day website here and join the conversation at #whoRUprotecting