Monthly Archives: December 2015

Family Christmas Fun at Very Special Kids

Around 430 parents, siblings and children supported by Very Special Kids attended the Family Christmas Party on Sunday 22 November for a day of family fun.

Soaring and tumbling on the Aero Bounce proved to be a highlight of the day, with children also enjoying the animal farm, craft activities, DJ workshops, a Liberty Swing, footy throws and face painting.

The arrival of Santa was highly anticipated and, on a firetruck provided by the Malvern East and Windsor Metropolitan Fire Brigade, certainly didn’t diasppoint. Families also had photos with Santa in the ‘Santa Cave’ and family portraits provided to families free of charge by Heartfelt Photography.

The annual Very Special Kids Family Christmas Party enables families of children with life-threatening conditions to come together in a safe and supportive environment.

The Family Christmas Party would not have been possible without the support of 42 of our dedicated team of trained volunteers. Special thanks also to the Malvern East and Windsor Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Heartfelt Photography for their ongoing support.

Mums come together in Albury-Wodonga

Caring for a child with a life-threatening condition can be isolating, and even more so when living in rural areas. The recent Albury-Wodonga mums group at Cafe Grove Wondonga brought parents together to connect with others along a similar journey.

The lunch, attended by six mums and a father and two siblings, centred around a therapeutic activity utilising St Luke’s photographic resource ‘Picture This’.

Parents reflected upon the significance of a particular photo or photos that were meaningful to them. They shared both their positive and challenging experiences, supporting each other throughout.

Very Special Kids parents groups are help several times a year in Albury-Wodonga, and in other rural centres across Victoria.

Fast and furious hospice weekend

Boys staying at Very Special Kids Hospice enjoyed a fun-fueled high-octane Mates Weekend with luxury cars and adventures across the city.

Dream Drives Melbourne shifted the weekend into gear taking the boys on hot laps around Very Special Kids’ grounds in exotic cars, including a Batmobile-inspired Lamborghini.

The boys then fueled-up at Grill’d Malvern before revving up to Village Cinemas Jam Factory for 007 action in the new Bond film.

Very Special Kids Mates Weekends are designed for teens who have high-cognition, but significant physical challenges, giving them a chance to have fun and connect with others in a similar situation. This weekend was made possible by the generous support of volunteers, Dream Drives Melbourne, Grill’d Malvern and Village Cinemas Jam Factory.

Dream Drives Melbourne are also holding a family fun day fundraiser on 13 December. Go along to get up close and personal with luxury cars and support Very Special Kids.