MEDIA RELEASE 16 April 2010
VINNIES PROVIDES OVER 20 CHILDREN WITH A FUN CAMP DURING THE APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS While many young people were enjoying the recent uni break by catching up on sleep or hanging out with friends, a team of dedicated St Vincent de Paul Society youth volunteers were putting on a camp to remember for over 20 disadvantaged children. The camp for children aged 8 -12 years was run by 10 volunteers over the weekend of the 9th – 11th April at Forrest Edge, Waroona offering children the opportunity to enjoy activities such as abseiling, screen printing, target shooting and incentive games in a safe and supportive environment.
Lucinda Ardagh, Media Spokesperson of the St Vincent de Paul Society WA says the camps are an important part of the Society’s work in responding to community needs and Vinnies Youth volunteers are vital in the delivery of this service.
“Vinnies Youth camps aim to provide children with friendship, mentoring, development opportunities and fun and for many of the children, this is the first time they have had the opportunity to attend a camp and partake in the activities. The camps also provide respite for parents and/or guardians trying to cope with many forms of hardship including financial pressures and illness,” Lucinda says.
Vinnies Youth is a Special Work of the St Vincent de Paul Society that provides educational and recreational activities to improve self esteem and communication skills and reduce boredom. Thanks to the support and generosity of the Western Australian community, Vinnies Youth is able to target the needs of disadvantaged children through support programs including Buddy Days, Homework Centres, and of course camps like this.
For further information on Vinnies Youth please contact the St Vincent de Paul Society on (08) 9475 5400.
To donate to the Society call 13 18 12 or log on to www.vinnies.org.au.
Media Contacts: Communications Officer: Lisa Torre (08) 9475 5433 or 0418 595 899 Media Spokesperson: Lucinda Ardagh (08) 9475 5427 or 0403 322 238