You know when you listen to someone and think, wow, they are really making a difference.
Sitting in Avoca Beach Picture Theatre listening to the wonderful ladies from Central Coast Kids In Need (CCKIN) talking about what they do to help children in our community and their families at a time when the twists and turns of life have spiralled to another level as a precious child becomes seriously ill was a time like this for me.
Run by Lorraine, Rhonda and a team of dedicated Central Coast women, this much needed charity was originally founded in 1993 to help Central Coast families who were struggling to find affordable accomodation close to their children who were being treated in Sydney hospitals and would sometimes be staying there for months on end. The work the charity does has grown significantly since its inception and so far this year they already have 342 families on their books. The help given to these families may include funding accomodation, it could be to cover high cost prescription items and specialised formulas, pay for quality of life equipment or simply cover ongoing travel expenses for numerous hospital visits.
Astonishingly CCKIN has always been solely staffed by volunteers and has had no Government funding to date. Despite this it has given out over $3.76 million and helped almost 3000 families over the last 15 years. During Covid 19 it suffered financially as did many charities but sadly CCKIN didn't qualify for government funding support simply because there are no paid employees, only volunteers.
I am delighted to be able to support this wonderful charity both by donating photographic services over the coming months and also in an ongoing financial way, which will start small but grow as my business grows.
I am sure CCKIN would love more people to be aware of what they do and maybe offer some support. Sometimes this can be as simple as donating items such as copy paper, stamps, petrol cards or gift cards.
If you have ever known anyone who has experienced the rollercoaster ride that you are willingly handcuffed to when your child is very ill, you will understand why the work this wonderful team does is vital to our Central Coast community.
If you would like to know more please go to
Thank you for caring
Jill