Camp Quality Gets Funding Boost

MEDIA RELEASE

13 February 2009

Camp Quality Gets Funding Boost From Sovereign Sunshine

Over 300 children who have cancer, are in remission or have a sibling with cancer will be well equipped to take part in Camp Quality’s 2010 summer camps, after the organisation was named the latest recipient of the Sovereign Sunshine programme.

Camp Quality an organisation dedicated to supporting children living with cancer was recently presented with a $15K donation by Sovereign Sunshine to purchase clothing that would be worn by children and staff attending the Trust’s next summer camp.

Camp Quality Chairman, Jim Grierson, said there are five regional week long summer camps held each year and a range of other activities during the course of the year, such as family days, reunion days, mini-camps and social outings.

“Any child affected with cancer can attend our camps,” he said.

“Our aim is to allow children who have cancer to be children again, have fun, participate in exciting activities, make new friends and generally get away from their daily lives which are generally filled with white coats and needles.

“We provide a camp outfit which usually comprises a polo shirt, polar fleece jacket and a bucket hat to everyone who takes part in a camp – that’s where the Sovereign Sunshine donation will be put to good use.”

Before embarking on a camp, each child is paired up with a ‘companion’ who provides them with 24/7 support whilst at camp.

“There’s also a team of committed staff who provide one-on-one assistance and medical care for our campers.”

Jim said paediatric oncology staff who attend the camps are the very same staff campers would usually interact with during their day-to-day lives.

“Our camps also give families with children who are affected by cancer a much needed break. We put parents’ minds at ease by teaming children up with compatible companions and providing the best programmes, staff, and medical care currently available.”

While on the week long summer camp, children participate in a range of activities including arts and crafts, low rope courses, swimming, dance parties, quiz nights, rock climbing, lazer strike, days out jet boating, flying in light aircraft, four wheel driving and visiting places like Rainbows End, Waterworld, or The International Antarctic Centre.

“More than 750 volunteers and thousands of hours are involved in bringing our camps to children living with cancer. Without the help of organizations like Sovereign Sunshine our programmes wouldn’t be as successful as they have been to date.”

Charlotte Crampsie who lives on the North Shore knows first hand the positive impact Camp Quality can have on the lives of children affected by cancer.

Charlotte’s seven and a half year old daughter, Claudia, has been on four Camp Quality camps and recently returned from one this summer.

Claudia was diagnosed with a form of eye cancer when she was two months old and had to undergo eye surgery and chemo therapy treatments every three weeks for the first few years of her life.

“The treatment for the Retinoblastoma left Claudia with very limited vision. In 2005 there was a relapse requiring more treatments and a bone marrow transplant, but since then her cancer has been in remission.

“Claudia absolutely loves Camp Quality and will continue to attend for as long as she can. While on camp, she gets to participate in activities within a safe environment, meet children who are in the same situation as her and enjoy being a child without me being the ‘over protective parent’.”

Charlotte said she knows her daughter is always in good hands when she attends Camp Quality summer camps.

“Camp Quality families get to meet their child’s companion before hand to make sure they’re completely comfortable with whomever is going to be their child’s primary support person for the week that they’re away on camp. Sometimes siblings can also go along with younger children - this was the case for my daughter’s first camp. Camp Quality takes care of all bases to ensure the children and families are happy.”

Charlotte said she is grateful for the joy Camp Quality brings to Claudia’s life.

In New Zealand, around 150 children aged 5-16 are diagnosed each year with cancer.

The Sovereign Sunshine scheme which is backed by Kiwi actress and mother of two, Greer Robson, helps under-resourced children’s charities like Camp Quality by providing them with funding.

Each month the initiative focuses on a different charity group, with members of the public deciding via online voting which charity gets the funding.

Sovereign Marketing Communications Manager, Richard Allen, said Sovereign’s staff enjoy getting behind raising funds for the children’s charities each month.

“Sovereign is working together with the New Zealand public to make the future brighter for as many young New Zealanders as possible. We’re committed to making a difference and invite other New Zealanders to join us by voting online for their favourite charity each month.”

To find out more about the programme or to vote for a charity go to www.sovereignsunshine.co.nz. To find out more about Camp Quality, go to, www.campqualitynz.org.nz

ENDS

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