Camp Breakaway at San Remo is celebrating its 40th anniversary with its first annual black tie charity ball and to pay tribute to the visionary Wyong Rotarians who hatched the idea for the first camp in 1982 to enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families.
Also being celebrated are the many volunteers, sponsors and donors who have helped the organisation to grow into one of the most successful and enduring small charities in Australia.
“We would like to recognise and say thank you for the commitment, dedication and effort put into Breakaway from the Rotarians in the beginning, the fundraisers, the builders, the cooks, the cleaners, the carers and the amazing nurses, all of whom have contributed to making our programs such a success,” said General Manager Brett Walker.
The charity ball on Friday, October 7 is being sponsored by Mingara Recreation Club.
Camp Breakaway is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers, providing camps 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.
Daniel is one of the 4.4 million Australians – or one in six – who have a disability.
He lives on the Central Coast in supported independent accommodation with help from Life Without Barriers, and is a regular at Camp Breakaway.
Daniel’s keyworker, Sharon Cornish, says that the camp is a game-changer for people like Daniel and their support networks.
He is non-verbal but with the support of Camp Breakaway, his carers and his family, Daniel is exploring his communication more.
“He is happiest when he’s riding the sidecar of Harley Davidsons, singing, disco-dancing, playing bingo, doing puzzles, and attending candlelit dinners and church services – but not fishing – he’s not a fan of that,” Cornish said.
“The camp affords Daniel the opportunity to build resilience and self-esteem, receive peer support, form friendships and community connections.
“Meanwhile, families and carers can escape burn-out, while swapping care strategies, and seeing their loved ones grow from the activities.
“Daniel has tried other camps, however, he hasn’t found anything quite as magical as Camp Breakaway and this one is the best fit for him.
“He has been attending the camp for years, and between holidays he is always asking when the next one will be,” Cornish said.
Sue Murray