Fun day success for kids’ camps

By Kelly Yates
MORE than 1500 people endured the heat last Saturday and turned up to the Casey for Kids Fun Day in Berwick to help raise money for Southern Cross Kids Camps.
The event, which ran from 11am to 4pm at the Berwick Church of Christ, raised $4000 for the national organisation, which runs camps for children who have been victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment.
Families were treated to a range of activities on the day including dirt bike rides, Harley Davidson rides, an inflatable jumping castle and obstacle course, temporary tattoos, face painting and a classic car and hot rod display.
Visitors also got the chance to go on horse and cart rides run by Mill Valley Ranch.
Children and families pastor Dave Marrett from Berwick Church of Christ is hoping the Casey for Kids Fun Day will be an annual event.
“These camps are the best spent money I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“The children, aged between seven and 11, head out for a week and do a stack of activities to build trust, self-esteem and confidence. They also get a one-on-one buddy.”
Pastor Marrett said Southern Cross Kids Camps, which operates all over Australia and New Zealand, received no designated funding.
“The organisation relies on donations from fundraising events and grants. Each camp costs $25,000 to run,” he said.
To donate to Southern Cross Kids Camps you may visit www.sckc.org.au.