VMMA Presentation of Cheque to Very Special Kids
Thursday 24th September 2009
Reported by David Cash VMMA Vice President
Present: David Cash, Vice President, Vivienne Cash, Treasurer and Mal Kidd, Special Events Co-Ordinator
This occasion was a very uplifting and humbling experience to see how Very Special Kids, through their organization, provide support, counseling, training and facilities for families of children with life threatening illnesses.
The VMMA presented a cheque for $700 to the Very Special Kids Pink Pig Appeal and was received by Yvonne Flyn, Fundraising Manager and Inger Norgrove, Communications and PR. Manager.
L to R: Mal, Yvonne, Dave Cash (VMMA Vice President) and Viv.
David Cash Presenting VMMA Donation to Yvonne Flyn, Fundraising Manager (Very Special Kids)
After the presentation, we were given a tour of the facilities based around an original Victorian house and grounds with beautiful gardens, which promote a tranquil and peaceful environment, essential to the atmosphere required for the children who stay at the Hospice.
This is a very special facility with bedrooms and bathrooms designed with specialized equipment and decoration, rooms highly decorated for visual and sound therapy and an open common room incorporating a specially designed kitchen where meals are prepared, by some wonderful ladies, in front of the children so they can feel like it’s home. Because of the kitchen’s design, children are able to take part in some food preparation.
Very Special Kids have recently had this swing installed for the children to experience the swinging motion, in their wheelchairs. The Very Special Kids facilities are based around an original Victorian house and grounds with beautiful gardens
The facility also provides respite for families, who wish to remain close to their children,
in adjoining units. Palliative care is also provided.
This is a unique service in Victoria, with only one other similar service available in NSW, attached to West Meade Hospital. Out of a budget of $4.2m, only one quarter of funds comes from Government with the remainder from Sponsors and public donations.
Pink Pig regional trail involved the pink pigs going around country Victoria to raise awareness for Very Special Kids was attended by VMMA members and Freemasons in general at the following locations: Hamilton, Portland, Donald, Moe, Morwell, Maryborough, Ararat, Euroa, Bendigo, Long Gully, Wonthaggi, Inverloch. Cohuna, Yarram and Geelong. (Thank You)
One of our members of the VMMA, Mal Kidd and his family, are associated with Very Special Kids and are current Ambassadors for this year’s appeal. Michelle and Mal’s youngest daughter, Erin, who is now 6 years old, was born with a rare neurological disorder which causes her to suffer seizures, which can be as regular as every 20 minutes, requiring constant care around the clock. There is no cure, only management with the use of therapies and drugs. Erin’s mental development is like a 9 month old baby.
Until the Kidd family discovered Very Special Kids, there was no other specific organization who could give them the support and help they so desperately needed.
I feel privileged to know the Kidd family. All the members of the VMMA draw inspiration from their attitude and loving way they care for their family in this difficult situation, yet they show their strength by telling others of their experience and as Ambassadors for Very Special Kids promote the organization to the wider community.
This is a very worthwhile cause for the VMMA to become involved with in the future.
