AV staff swim laps for Starlight Foundation
February 10, 2025in Community News
Ambulance Victoria (AV) employees are jumping in the deep end to help raise funds for sick kids as part of the annual Starlight Super Swim event.
The fundraiser encourages people to swim throughout the month to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation – an organisation dedicated to helping children in hospital.
The AV Swimmers team currently consists of seven members and has already collected more than $3,000.
Halls Gap Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) Emily Perazic is participating in the fundraiser for the third year, pledging to swim 60 kilometres in 28 days.
She was inspired to undertake the feat after seeing the positive impact the Starlight Foundation had on her older brother.
“My brother has cerebral palsy and when we were kids, he was in hospital more often than not,” she said.
“I remember they had these areas in the hospital, called Starlight rooms, that were decorated with fairy lights and paintings. There were also people helping with games, facepainting and anything a kid could want.
“I would go in there and meet other kids and see the impact those rooms had on them. For a couple hours they just forgot they were in the hospital.
“My brother loved all the music and the fun sounds. In that room he had a ball.
“The work those people do is so important – it makes the world of difference.”
Halls Gap ACO Emily Perazic is participating in the Starlight Super Swim.
Emily is an avid swimmer and has previously participated in state and national competitions.
While 60km would be daunting for some, she said she’s looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m a little nervous but I love getting in the pool. It’s a great way to switch off because there’s nobody else, just you and the black line.
“It’s really heart-warming to see other paramedics joining the team and giving it a go.
“Any donations people can make would be greatly appreciated. A little can go a long way and I’d love to help the foundation spread joy to sick kids.”
AV Finance Business Partner Gayle Clements joined the AV Swimmers team to help others and push herself.
With a background in powerlifting, Gayle said the pool was a very different environment for her.
“Whilst I’ve always been an active person, transitioning from a strength-based sport to swimming has been both interesting and challenging on many levels,” she said.
“I only started swimming in November, so to be a part of this fundraiser a few months later and aiming to swim 15km is quite the physical achievement.”
Donations can be made on the AV Swimmers group page.