Camp Breakaway at San Remo is going through a reset after the Covid downturn, starting with 40th anniversary celebrations, a dance night for the disabled last Friday and four camps coming up this year.
“Covid affected us pretty harshly and donations dried up a bit but now we’re coming out the other side and have four camps in the pipeline to start up again,” Manager Dean Grant said.
The first camp will start on March 20 with a four-day program for adults living with disabilities.
Breakaway held its first camp for people with disability back in September 1982 with the aim of enhancing the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary, special events were held to thank volunteers, sponsors and donors who have helped the organisation to grow into one of the most successful and enduring small charities in Australia.
Just before Christmas, a Twilight Market was held with craft stalls, entertainment, food trucks and a gathering of the Classic Ford Owner’s Club who made a generous donation to the charity on the night.
The evening was judged to be a huge success with hundreds attending and even Santa managed to squeeze in a visit, with presents for the children.
“The two events showed what support there is in the community for the unique service we provide for people with disability, and we always welcome any new volunteers to help,” Chairperson Jenny Taaffe said.
“We have also become very popular with people celebrating significant events in their life by hiring our fantastic facilities and have received awards for the best wedding venue on the Central Coast.”
Camp Breakaway is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers, providing camps and other programs for the disabled, senior citizens, frail aged, along with supporting families with children or adults with a disability.
The camps offer respite for families and carers and provide campers an opportunity to meet new people, encourage self-reliance and independence, and helps them to become less conscious of their disability while facilitating a better understanding of their situation.
Sue Murray