AUSSIES BIG WALK FOR KIDS FACING CANCER DURING CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

National children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality is asking Aussies to ‘step up’ and walk 25km, 50km or 100km during the month of September, to fundraise and support kids facing cancer. 
 
Big Walk for Little Kids is a virtual walking challenge to give over 2,500 kids a break from cancer. Every step you take brings a child facing cancer closer to experiencing the fun of a Camp Quality camp! 

It’s easy to get involved, Australians anywhere can walk on the treadmill, outdoors, as an individual, with a friend or as part of a virtual team.

“I’m looking forward to hitting the park with Sam and the kids and getting our steps up this September,” says Camp Quality ambassador Snezana Wood. 

“Walking has become a ‘go to’ exercise particularly during lockdowns. Big Walk for Little Kids provides an opportunity to make those steps count and raise much needed funds for kids facing cancer during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”

Children’s cancer rates are on the rise in Australia. In 2020 it’s estimated that  870 kids aged between 0 -14 years of age were newly diagnosed with cancer. And approximately 16,000 kids faced a parent’s or primary caregiver’s cancer diagnosis. 

Funds raised from Big Walk for Little Kids will support Camp Quality Camps which give 8,900 kids facing cancer an opportunity to have a much-needed break from cancer, reconnect with their siblings and parents and make positive memories not centred on their cancer diagnosis. 

Camp Quality CEO, Deborah Thomas says it is more important than ever to support children facing the double impact of cancer and the impacts of the COVID pandemic.

 “As the situation with COVID changes week on week, these fragile children with their suppressed immune systems, are in a constant state of hope which is often raised then dashed. 

This uncertainty and disappointment puts their childhoods on hold, with enormous pressure placed on the whole family unit. Whilst many kids and their families have since received a vital break on one of our fun programs, we still have a huge demand, with a large number of Camp Quality families currently on the waitlist to attend a camp.”

Walkers receive their own online fundraising page, where they can connect their Fitbit, and track their distances (km’s) so their friends and family can follow their progress and get behind their heroic efforts. Sign up online and set your own fundraising target. 

To sign up go to www.bigwalk.org.au. Everyone who signs up before August 31 will receive 20% off at all Shoes & Sox stores throughout Australia, with many other great prizes to be announced.

 About Camp Quality 

Camp Quality gives kids facing cancer the chance to be kids again. 

Camp Quality’s services and programs are created specifically to support children aged up to 15 years, who are dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, or the diagnosis of someone they love, like a brother, sister, mum, dad or carer.

Camp Quality provides kids, their siblings and parents, with fun experiences, education, specialised cancer care, counselling and a supportive community; in-hospital, online, at school and away from it all on camps and at our retreats. Camp Quality services and programs help kids and families at every stage of the cancer experience in the following ways:

In hospital: The Camp Quality Puppets provide fun and distraction for kids at their hospital bedsides, which boosts their mental wellbeing. Camp Quality sponsored Child Life Therapists support children undergoing cancer treatment to reduce anxiety and the need for sedation. 

Online: Live streamed Puppet Digital Playdates bring the Camp Quality Puppets to children isolated by cancer, on their personal electronic device. The Kids’ Guide to Cancer and New Normal Navigator apps provide cancer education and trusted resources. The Happiness Hub website is home to kids’ activities and wellbeing content; Interactive Virtual Camps allow children to enjoy the camp experience online.

At school: The Camp Quality Puppets present the Primary School Cancer Education Program to dispel cancer myths, create an inclusive school community and prevent bullying.

Away from it all: Our Kids’ Camps and Family Camps give children and their families a break from cancer. As do our memorable one-day events, Family Fun Days and Family Experiences. We also provide respite in the most difficult stages of cancer at our Retreats.   

 

Camp Quality raises funds to ensure the 8,900 kids facing cancer, who are registered for our services and programs, have the chance to just be kids again. 

In the last 5 years:

• Over 4,700 kids facing cancer attended 140 Kids’ Camps across Australia. 
• Almost 4,500 kids facing cancer from over 1,900 families attended 200 camps.  
• Over 607,000 students watched our Primary School Cancer Education Program at around 4,000 schools. 

-ends-

Media Enquiries:

Amanda E: amanda@effieandco.com.au M 0411 265 646

Lucy E: lucy@effieandco.com.au M 0438 011 143