Disadvantaged Sunshine Coast families are set to benefit from the giving spirit of a range of local businesses, with the Kawana Chamber of Commerce using its annual Christmas celebration to raise much-needed funds for SunnyKids.
Kawana Chamber of Commerce President Linda Delamotte said $1,000 would be donated to the charity, as well as a further $10 from every ticket sold to the organisation’s Christmas function being held at The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast on Wednesday, 7 December.
“While it can be easy to get caught up in the hype of buying presents and planning celebratory activities over the holiday season, I think it’s important that we all take time to reflect on how truly lucky we are and spare a thought for the families within our community that may be doing it tough – not just over Christmas but year round,” Ms Delamotte said.
“Our Christmas celebration will raise funds that can be put towards a range of SunnyKids services such as the delivery of emergency accommodation, employment support, homeless services and resilience-building, literacy and wellbeing programs in schools.”
Ms Delamotte said the event was shaping up to be a relaxing and enjoyable night out, with live entertainment being provided by talented musician Jason Fichera and attendees able to network over canapés.
“There will also be plenty of raffle prizes up for grabs on the night, with 100 per cent of raffle ticket sales being passed along to SunnyKids in addition to the other money raised.”
“We’re delighted to be supporting such a worthy local cause and encourage community members to come along and join in the celebrations – you don’t need to be a member of the chamber to attend.”
SunnyKids Executive Director and CEO Chris Turner said he was appreciative of the chamber’s efforts to raise funds and to generate awareness about SunnyKids’ work within the community.
“What many people don’t realise is that the Sunshine Coast community alone identifies 5,000 at-risk children annually, which is a very concerning statistic,” Mr Turner said.
“At SunnyKids, we provide thousands of nights of emergency accommodation each year and we partner with health, education and child protection agencies to keep these kids – and often times, other family members – safe.”
“It’s really heartening to see the giving spirit alive and well within our community through events such as this one.”
Mr Turner said one SunnyKids success story involved a 10-year-old boy who was struggling academically due to significant financial strain on both parents and his five siblings.
“We secured a tutor for the child and arranged for his mother to attend financial counselling sessions to assist with a tight budget for the family through Christmas,” Mr Turner said.
“We also supported the family to access some emergency relief to ease the financial pressure and to obtain Centrelink benefits. The boy’s father also began to study at the local university to upskill himself.”
“The family recently advised that for the first time ever, the boy – in his first year of high school – had received an ‘A’ grade. He is now a confident learner, managing his own homework without prompting.”
“These success stories are incredibly rewarding and we will continue to work hard to ensure local children in need receive the support they require.”
The Kawana Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas event will take place on Wednesday, 7 December from 5.30pm at The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast, 15 Freshwater Street, Mountain Creek. Tickets cost $38 for members and $45 for non-members and include canapés and a welcome drink.
Bookings are essential and can be made at www.kawanachamber.com.au. To find out more, visit the website or call 0428 334 582
