By Bonny Burrows
Disadvantaged children will have the opportunity to attend camp for the first time, thanks to a generous donation by a Pakenham retirement village.
Evergreen Retirement Village raised $1800 for Christian not-for-profit Southern Cross Kids’ Camps through its annual fund-raising morning tea on Thursday.
Bringing together residents and community members for a morning tea and auction, the fund-raiser’s activities included performances by local musician Little Lee, live and silent auctions and a decadent arrangement of baked and sweet goods, with all proceeds supporting the camp program.
The national organisation provides annual camps for Australian children with a background of abuse and neglect.
The camps, for “at risk” children aged 7 to 11, aim to a “place to be a kid without a care in the world”, through fun activities, social inclusion and a mass birthday party.
This year was the second time the village held its annual fund-raiser in support of the charity, with Evergreen initially getting involved as two residents were previously involved.
Evergreen’s village manager, Annie Roberts and colleague Sharon Allsopp also had the opportunity to see the benefits of the program first-hand last year.
Ms Allsopp said it was an eye-opening experience, especially the birthday party.
“I know it seems strange for us, but for a lot of these kids due to circumstances out of their control, they’ve never celebrated a birthday or had a birthday party,” she said.
“A birthday is something most people take for granted, but for these kids it’s something they’ve never experienced.
“It’s just a way we can give back, and also get the residents involved in.”
Ms Roberts said the day’s efforts far exceeded any expectations.
“We really don’t care what we raise, every little bit counts, but we have blown last year’s effort ($1500) out of the water,” she said.
The village plans to host another fund-raising morning tea next year, but is yet to decide which charity it will support.
