Kids put new equipment to the test

14 December 2017

14 Dec 2017

Villa Maria Catholic Homes’ (VMCH) major fundraising appeal for the year has raised more than $140,000 to buy new digital resources and equipment for a service that supports young children with developmental delays and disabilities.

About 150 children, who use VMCH’s Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS), in Kew, have started to receive some fabulous new resources, thanks to the Teach & Tumble fundraising appeal. Children like Finn and Koby (pictured from left) are having a great time breaking in some of the new equipment that is arriving at VMCH’s Kew office.

Mother-of-three, Catherine, helped VMCH promote the fundraising campaign to buy new equipment for ECIS. Her son Joshua needed multiple surgeries and specialist therapy after he was born without functioning thumbs and a hole in his heart. That is where ECIS, in Kew, has played a vital role in supporting Joshua, Catherine says.

“I cannot stress how finding the Early Childhood Intervention Service in Kew has changed our lives. It was a lifesaver for us. Joshie has come on so much with the regular therapy and time spent playing during the parent support group.”

“ECIS is a wonderful centre and the staff do a wonderful job, but they’re really working with some dated equipment, so that money is going to make such a difference, not just to Joshie, but other kids and their families too. I can’t wait to see what they are able to buy,” she said.

People who attended VMCH’s annual Art After Dark fundraiser, in June, supported Teach & Tumble to the tune of more than $50,000. They bought artwork, items from the silent auction and made generous donations.

Supporters of VMCH have also donated generously to the cause after reading about the campaign in the Seasons magazine and in the local media. VMCH also received support from trusts.

Specialist Education and Evolving Disability Services General Manager, David Williamson, said the support would make a huge difference for many young children.

“Specialised equipment and resources are vital in current therapeutic practices. They can make a huge difference to young ones with disabilities and additional needs and really enhance their development and wellbeing,” he said.

“Birth to eight is such a critical period of learning and communication, and we want to ensure we give them every opportunity to thrive.”

Special thanks goes to our partners and sponsors for supporting the Art After Dark fundraising gala: Lexus of Blackburn, Acsess Health and Cura Pharmacy. Other generous support came from those who donated art items for the silent auction and wine for the yet again popular wine-wall.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.