AU – RRT at VSK Annual Fair Nov 2016
Every child is a miracle, and almost all arrive perfectly healthy, but there are a great number that unfortunately aren’t blessed with that privilege, either being born with conditions that sadly predict a very short window of life or children that are healthy, only soon to be diagnosed with a terminal illness such as cancer and many that are permanently injured as a result of a car accident or some such.
Very Special Kids began in 1985 with one family and now supports 900 families across Victoria who have a child with a life-threatening condition with ongoing support from diagnosis all the way through to recovery or bereavement. Sadly, many of the children they care for will not reach adulthood.
Meet Meg, a beautiful 18yr old that suffers from multiple life threatening seizures daily, each one causing more damage to her brain, further disabling her. Born in 1998, Meg was diagnosed with a severe seizure disorder and with only her mum to care for her, it is vitally important that she can have access to free of charge family support services and respite through the Very Special Kid’s 24hr Hospice. VSK do not have the resources to care for a child, if they are lucky enough to reach adulthood. Because Meg’s condition is deteriorating rapidly, VSK have decided to continue caring for her until she is 19. Beyond this, the only 24hr care that is available is a nursing home. This kind decision is just one of the many reasons that the funding is so important to the Hospice, its volunteers and patients.
This end of life care, specialist nursing and family support costs more than $7million each year, and relies substantially on fundraising through the community.
A sunny Saturday on the 19th of November 2016, set the scene for the VSK Annual Fair, which is held every year at the location of their headquarters and 24Hr Hospice in Hawthorn. Every Child’s wish came true when favourite story book characters were brought to life, a brightly coloured clown twisting balloons into every desired shape, a massive toy stall and so much more. Beautiful flowers were a sight for sore eyes, and stalls selling plants, flowers, homewares and fresh cooking. Even the sick children were brought out from the Hospice to enjoy the performances put on from local musicians and celebrities. Customers also snatched up bargains from VSK’s massive fashion sale which was held in the Malvern Town Hall, a short walk away.
Aware of the need to raise the vital funds, RRT was present again with a massive team of enthusiastic volunteers from Berwick, Warragul and Moe, all geared up to serve a feast. Rolling hot off the BBQ first, were bacon and egg wraps, next were sausages in bread and gourmet ‘BIY’ (build it yourself) burgers, with a multitude of ingredients for every desired taste. A team of expert baristas were thrilled to volunteer along with RRT’s brand new coffee trailer. Fresh hot coffee was a major hit, which fast became iced coffee as temperatures began to soar towards midday. Over 1000 hot meals and many more hot and cold drinks were devoured and drunk by happy customers, who produced a flood of positive comments: ‘Best burger I have ever seen!’ and ‘Since when are there so many options’. Many were blown away by the quality and service, leading to a massive $8,000 being raised, which RRT were delighted to present to VSK.
Thank you to all those who gave and supported such a worthy cause, the day was a huge success raising a total of $141,143 to keep the Hospice open and providing for Victoria’s most special children!
