Run for the Kids chair Tom Salom is stepping down after 17 years spent building the Herald Sun Transurban annual event into a key fundraiser for the Good Friday Appeal.
Herald and Weekly Times chairman Penny Fowler, who also serves as chairman of the Good Friday Appeal, said Salom had played a critical role in making the Herald Sun Transurban Run for the Kids into Victoria’s premier charity fun run.
Fowler has announced Genevieve Brammall as new chair.
“Tom has played a remarkable role and I would like to extend a personal thanks to him for giving so much time to help raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal,” Fowler said.
“I have no doubt everyone involved in the Run For the Kids would express similar gratitude.”
Since the inaugural event in 2006, Run for the Kids has raised $22.9 million, money generated by the hundreds of thousands of committed runners, walkers and volunteers who have taken part. In 2024, 25,000 people raised more than $1.22 million with Transurban contributing an additional $80,000 to take its annual donation to $1.3 million.
The 2024 event raised $1.3m
“We are passionate about supporting our communities and I am delighted Tom is passing the baton to Genevieve,” Fowler said.
“We wish her all the very best in her new role and appreciate Genevieve volunteering her time as she guides us into a new era.
“I would also like to thank our wonderful partner Transurban for their partnership with us over such a long period – not least for opening its roads to Victorians every year.”
Transurban CEO Michelle Jablko said: “Run for the Kids is a milestone event for Melburnians, and we’re thrilled to be once again supporting this important cause.
“It’s a privilege to host thousands in our community as they make their way across CityLink to raise vital funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“We welcome Genevieve and are looking forward to working closely with her to plan another successful race in 2025.”
Genevieve Brammall
Genevieve Brammall, News Corp Australia’s head of consumer PR and talent relations, is no stranger to charitable fundraising, having represented News Corp Australia as a member of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Development Board for 10 years.
“As a mum of two teenagers, I have witnessed first hand the incredible expertise and care of the team at the Royal Children’s Hospital on many occasions throughout their childhoods.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to contribute proactively to raise vital funds for the Good Friday Appeal.”
The 2025 Run for the Kids event will be held on Sunday April 6.