Making our sick kids' lives a 'hole' lot better
The ideal family holiday - getting away from it all with some cosy accommodation, fun in the sun, a trip to exciting theme parks and waterslides, perhaps a spot of fishing and a camp out and catching up and bonding with family and friends.

That is, unless your family is under extreme financial and emotional pressure due to a sibling suffering from chronic illness.

Then, that family holiday would be just so much more of a reward, indeed so special and undoubtedly warranted.

Resident Angie Reichelt can vouch for that. Her bright and energetic son Cooper, 10, has been battling a form of cancer, called neuroblastoma.

He's in remission now, but a year of hospital treatments in Sydney meant mum was unable to work and both she and her son were apart from dad, Cooper's two brothers and little 'sis' for long stretches.

The Reichelts dreamed of having a relaxing family holiday, but it wasn't possible.

But thanks to the region's Camp Quality team, they have managed to enjoy retreats that include all of the family holiday trimmings mentioned above - and then some.

The Reichelts are one of many families in the region who Camp Quality reaches out to each and every year.

But for Camp Quality (which is not government funded), to offer cancer support and respite services for sick children and their families, a steady stream of funds are a must - and that's where the ball is in your court.

Camp Quality's biggest fundraiser in the Hastings, which you can support, is the SOVEREIGN HILLS/CAMP QUALITY GOLF DAY, which will tee off on Monday 25th October 2010.

The charity 4 ball Ambrose golf day at Port Macquarie Golf Club has an entry fee of $50 per person which includes a shot at the "hole-in-one" prize of $30,000 which has been arranged by Sovereign Hills Sales.

There will be two starting times, 7am and then again at 12.15pm.

"We are still seeking sponsorship for the day and teams are still welcome to jump on board" said organiser, Sid Crane.

A fun and fundraising auction will be held after the golfing rounds at the clubhouse, with the kids from Camp Quality on site to add to the smiles and laughter.

The official patron for the day will be Major General Jeffery, AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd), and his wife Marlena.

Among a string of titles and accolades, Mr Jeffery was sworn in as the 24th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia on August 11, 2003 and served in that capacity until September 5, 2008.

For more information, to make a donation, sponsorship or to obtain a nomination form, please email or call Sid Crane This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 6582 5913.

So get ready to have a ball and join in this fantastic fundraiser that will bring a broad smile to our sick kids' faces and that of their families.

To learn more about Camp Quality, go to www.campquality.org.au.

(Story courtesy "The Port Macquarie Independent", Thursday October 21st, 2010)

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