SMILES were all around for the Lilo and Stitch movie fundraiser at Showbiz Cinemas, held to raise money for Southern Cross Kid’s Camp (SCKC).
SCKC holds camps each year across Australia for disadvantaged primary and secondary school aged children and aims to interrupt cycles of abuse and neglect.
Alycia Anderson lives in Koondrook and works in Swan Hill and attended the Southern Cross Kid’s Camp in 2012 and 2013.
More than 10 years on, she said the camp had such a positive impact on her life that she is now dedicated to raising money so others can have the same experience.
“On camp, each camper gets their own buddy – so that’s one person they spend with their whole entire week with,” Ms Anderson said.
“A lot of these children don’t get to experience that one-on-one undivided attention; my brother and I certainly didn’t being in foster care, so we really looked forward to the camps.
“A quote by Mother Teresa is: we don’t do great things, we do small things with great love.
“On camp we might just be building a rocket with a child, but to that child you’re helping and guiding them – and it can mean everything.”
Last Friday’s fundraiser was specifically raising money for the Bendigo SCKC – led by Craig and Glenda Clifton.
“A lot of kids are not doing so well in their communities, and that’s not really fair,” said Mr Clifton.
“What SCKC does is gives kids who are really struggling just hope for the future; we take them away and try and give them the best week of their year.”
Disadvantaged kids from the Swan Hill region may be able to attend the Bendigo or Mildura SCKC, with more information found at: sckc.org.au
Two more Swan Hill fundraisers for SCKC will be held in the coming months, with details to be released.
