Camp Quality Asks Kiwis to Forget matching Footwear

Media Release

Camp Quality Asks Kiwis to Forget matching Footwear in Support of Odd Shoe Day …

28 February 2012: Camp Quality, a not-for-profit volunteer organisation which provides support programmes for children living with cancer, is planning an odd-ball National Awareness Day this year with a focus on unusual footwear.

‘Odd Shoe Day’, to be held on Friday 14 September, will seek a gold coin donation from Kiwis young and old who wear mis-matched shoes for the day.

It is seen by Camp Quality New Zealand as a novel and fun way to introduce young people to the work of an organisation established in New Zealand 26 years ago, which provides a wide range of activities for children batting cancer.

‘Odd Shoe Day’ is the brainchild of long-time CQ volunteer John Green, who recently stepped down as Auckland/Northland regional manager after more than 25 years of dedicated work for the organisation. He says the concept of asking people to spend one day of the year “wearing shoes that don’t match, they could be the wrong size and of a different colour, seemed like an inexpensive and easy fund-raising and awareness opportunity.

“The idea is to make it a fun experience for everyone with a gold coin donation to Camp Quality. And we will encourage those who chose to wear normal footwear to also support us with a donation.”

While Camp Quality intends to aim the promotion in the first year at schools - an introduction letter has already gone out to 4000 schools nationally seeking their support for the promotion, it also hopes adults in the workplace, service organisations and the wider community will buy into the campaign.

Camp Quality chairman Gary Troup, a former NZ Cricket representative and the current president of Auckland Cricket, is surprised ‘Odd Shoe Day’ hasn’t been picked up sooner by other charities,” as an awareness and fund-raising idea. I’m also sure there are a few old team mates who probably thought I could have been wearing odd-fitting cricket boots the way I bowled…”

Mr Troup says that each year, at a cost of more than $600,000, Camp Quality “delivers high quality recreational programmes to more than 300 children, aged 5-16, supported by an equal number of highly-trained staff and companions.

“Across five regions we provide week-long summer camps which give the youngsters hope for the future and a rich source of wonderful memories to sustain them as they continue their medical treatment.

“At the same time we provide their families much needed rest and an assurance that their children will be well cared for in a fun, positive and stress-free environment.”

According to Child Cancer Foundation statistics, around 150 young New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer each year. Camp Quality passionately believes in the power of fun to help these children and their families overcome the challenges cancer brings.

ENDS

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