YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health Autumn 2018 | Page 16

$50,000
TO SUPPORT
KINSHIP CARERS
The YMCA is proud to acknowledge and support those who support others.
aving a grandparent throughout
childhood is a relationship
incomparable to any other.
The long hugs, being spoilt, and hearing
recounted stories are all warm memories.
H
But what would life be like if your
grandparents unexpectedly had to
become your full-time carers?
When Victorian parents can no longer
care for their children due to devastating
circumstances, the first preference of
Department of Health and Human
Services is to place the child with an
immediate
family
member.
This
responsibility, known as kinship care, is
usually sought after or appointed to the
child’s grandparents.
Carer camp. This funding has ensured the camp can run for
another year, helping another group of extraordinary families.
For many, this camp is the only time of the year carers can take
a moment for themselves, knowing that their children are off
playing on the beautiful campgrounds, off making new friends
and being cared for by the dedicated and energetic volunteers.
‘This camp is exactly what we needed. Being in such a fun,
positive environment and sharing it with people who are in a
similar circumstance as you, being able to connect, relate and
rest is invaluable,’ says one Kinship Carer Camper.
Alex Hamilton, Kinship Carer Volunteer adds, ‘My time as a
volunteer at Kinship Carer camp has been the best experience
I have had at the Y. To see the impact we can have and to
know you are giving back something to a group of people so
deserving of our support is incredibly rewarding.
Kinship
carers
are
extraordinary
individuals. And often as second-time
parents, selflessly forgo retirement plans
to provide their grandchildren with
education, security and happiness.
In 2014 YMCA Victoria wanted to create
a program to impact these families’
lives. This resulted in a three-day respite
camp, now known as Kinship Carer
Camp.
Currently run by YMCA Mt Evelyn
Recreation camp, Kinship Carer Camp
offers carers and children a rare weekend
of relaxation and above all else, fun with
the family!
Recognising the lasting impact this
camp
supports,
the
Victorian
Government has awarded a $50,000
Carer KaFÉ grant to YMCA Kinship
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YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2018