The Woy Woy branch of the Country Women’s Association has donated a range of handmade goods to raise money for local therapy services in Woy Woy.
The branch is helping Point Clare primary school student Courtney Cottle, 11, to raise $5000 to help re-start the Siblings Group at the Woy Woy office of Coastwide Therapy Services.
The program aims to provide siblings of special-needs children with tools to cope at home and an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations coinciding with Autism Awareness Month in April, the fundraiser will include an art exhibition and Family Fun Day, a silent auction and pre-launch showing of the film Wonder at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre.
“Courtney approached the Woy Woy branch about the possibility of donating items for the silent auction,” said branch publicity officer Ms Emily Bowtell.
“Being strong supporters of the local community, we of course jumped at the opportunity to support this important cause.”
The branch has donated a range of items for the cause including a hand-crocheted blanket, a hand-painted silk lamp, framed hand embroidery and a handmade bird of paradise papertole artwork valued at $450 and donated to the branch by papertole artist and teacher Mr Kevin Menzies.
“Growing up with a sister with autism has not been easy for Courtney, often leaving her feeling isolated and voiceless,” Ms Bowtell said.
“In the past, Courtney had the opportunity to attend the Siblings Group at Coastwide Therapy Services.
“However recently, due to a lack of funding, the Siblings Group has not been running, leaving Courtney and others like her with no outlet to meet like-minded children within their community,” Ms Bowtell said.
The film screening and silent auction will be held at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre on March 28.
The art exhibition and Family Fun Day will be held at the Point Clare Scout Hall on April 6.
In 2017, Courtney held an art exhibition to fundraise for sensory items for Point Clare Public School.
The event raised $500 and allowed the school to buy resources for children with sensory processing disorders and those on the autism spectrum.
SOURCE:Media release, 20 Feb 2019 Emily Bowtell, Woy Woy CWA branch