Get The Fat Kids Running.

The Bill Hutchison Foundation was officially launched this morning by Chairman Ray Horsburgh and The Hon. Mal Brough MP, Federal Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

The Bill Hutchison Foundation (BHF), named in honour of the former seven-time Essendon best and fairest winner and dual Brownlow Medallist, is a registered harm prevention charity whose primary aim is to reduce the incidence of depression, substance abuse and obesity among the adolescent community.

The Minister spoke about the important contribution that charitable organisations such as the BHF can make in strengthening communities and encouraged those present to get behind the Foundation.

Minister Brough also acknowledged the Essendon Football Club and the work it is currently undertaking in the community in conjunction with the BHF.

In addition to Mr Brough, leading adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr Gregg addressed those in attendance about the benefits of building resilient adolescents and the role that the joint BHF / Essendon Football Club program 'On The Ball' plays in promoting this resilience by encouraging children to get involved in sport and stay involved.

Other dignitaries present included Essendon CEO & Managing Director Peter Jackson (who is also a BHF Board member), Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy, Jeanine Froome from Mercy Care and members of the Hutchison family, including Nel Hutchison Bill's wife.

For further information including how to make a donation to the foundation click here.