Kick Abuse 5K Run/Fun Walk goes VIRTUAL to raise awareness, funds against child abuse

It’s the 8th annual race against child abuse, and the Pediatric Resource Center is taking their annual fundraising event virtual. The annual event is typically held at Kickapoo Creek Winery, but in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and CDC guidelines for social distancing, organizers have created a virtual event that runs the entire month of April, which is designated Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“The need for awareness and funding is even greater this year during a time of a national crisis with added stress on families, concerns for public health, jobs and the economy,” says Stephanie Johnson, director of the Pediatric Resource Center. “While families shelter at home under the added burdens of this pandemic, child abuse experts worry about child safety.”

This fundraiser supports the Pediatric Resource Center’s specialized medical services to children and families impacted by child abuse and neglect concerns. All proceeds will help the PRC provide specialized, child-friendly medical evaluations and case management services to child victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. In the last five years, the PRC evaluated over 2,400 central Illinois children for these concerns.

This virtual event supports child abuse prevention and awareness. Participants are encouraged to post their efforts to remain active and prevent child abuse on PRC’s social media channels. During the month of April, PRC will also share low-cost activity ideas and child abuse prevention messaging on social media as we recognize issues related to COVID-19 impact child abuse victims in many ways. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are still available.

The Pediatric Resource Center (PRC) is a service provider for the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria. Since its inception in 1993, more than 7,500 children from over 50 counties throughout Illinois have benefited from the services of the PRC.