Kidney Health Australia received a generous donation from The Honda Foundation to support its 2012 National Kidney Kids Camp held at Camp Manyung Mt. Eliza this week.
Kidney Health Australia is the national peak body committed to ‘saving lives and reducing the need for dialysis’ through delivery of it’s programs and services targeting awareness, detection, prevention and management of kidney disease.
The National Kidney Kids Camp unites more than 60 children (aged 7-17) with end stage kidney disease and their siblings, from all over Australia for a week of team building activities and fun, additionally providing much needed respite for families faced with the daily struggles associated with having a child on dialysis.
End stage kidney disease is a long-term, life-threatening condition associated with irreversible loss of kidney function. There is no cure for kidney failure but treatment options include conservative treatment, dialysis and transplantation.
“The Program offers support to seriously ill children affected by chronic kidney disease and their families when it is most needed,” said Lindsay Smalley, Chairman of The Honda Foundation.
“Organised Camps provide positive experiences and the opportunity for children to interact with others who are similarly affected and learn coping mechanisms for dealing with this devastating disease.”
Children with end stage kidney disease are unable to participate in any other type of camp program due to the need for dialysis and medical support.
The five day camp offers children the chance to enjoy a recreational holiday within a therapeutically and medically-safe environment. The kids can engage in activities such as archery and raft building or use the giant swing and flying fox.
Peer networking, esteem-building activities and normalisation opportunities are the core benefits underpinning the program. These camps also offer an educational/life experience to help them cope with their condition and above all, have fun.
The Honda Foundation donation purchased two camp computers, a camera and personal items to make the experience for the children attending special and memorable. A backpack containing a sun cap, t-shirt and DVD was provided to each child and camp participant as well as volunteers and medical staff.
“Kidney Health Australia is most appreciative of the support of the Honda Foundation for the 2012 National Kidney Kids Camp that was held at Camp Manyung in Mt. Eliza. Funds received from Honda provided t-shirts, sun caps and backpacks for all campers, volunteers, nursing and medical staff. In addition Honda funding covered the purchase of two laptops and a camera,” said CEO of Kidney Health Australia, Anne Wilson.
“Chairman Lindsay Smalley attended on Day two of the camp with other invited guests including Federal MP Bruce Bilson, the Mayor of the Mornington Peninsula Mr. Frank Martin and Councillor Mt. Eliza Ward, Leigh Eustace.
The support of philanthropic trusts and foundations such as the Honda Foundation enable us to deliver vital programs to Australians with kidney disease. We are delighted Chairman Lindsay Smalley was able to join us and experience first-hand the importance of our Kids Camp to the participants,” Ms. Wilson said.
The Honda Foundation aims to provide assistance to local communities and foster goodwill among Honda Australia, Honda Motor Vehicle Dealers and the public. It draws funding from Honda Dealers and Honda Australia who donate $15 ($5 and $10 respectively) for every Honda car sold.
For more information on The Honda Foundation and the organisations it supports, please visit www.hondafoundation.org.au