Kids In Need Donations (KIND), a local charity providing support to families of seriously ill children, held their AGM recently, with all positions filled by the existing dedicated committee members.

Secretary of KIND, Jenny White, praised the community for their continued support in what has been an economically challenging time.

"The past 18 months have shown what an amazing community we live in, with fund raising undertaken for the Queensland floods, Cyclone Yasi, the Christchurch earthquakes and the Japan tsunami.

"In addition to this, funds have continued to be raised for and distributed by KIND, on behalf of local families.

Ms White made special mention of Bendigo Bank who have been a major supporter of the charity.

"Organisations like Bendigo Bank have generously supported our organisation with their Community Banking commitment - not only financially, but also assisted in a community minded manner, attending events with us, handling monies for us at large fund raisers, counting endless quantities of small coins and having staff go out of their way to make the lives of our volunteers easier."

Funding raised by the community through KIND has gone towards home nursing assistance, flights to visit specialists, flights for siblings and parents to ensure families remain together while treatment is undertaken, rental assistance and practical and emotional support.

Ms White said there are many plans in place to ensure the organisation continues to play an important part in the lives of families within the community.

"Our future plans include consideration of reinstating a membership base, whereby an annual fee is paid, reducing the demands on a small group of volunteer members who put in a lot of time and effort to manage the funds and ensure continuous income goes into to the organisation.

"We would like to involve the schools, providing awareness to children and their families about KIND and how the funds are used to assist in our community.

"We also aim to continue our community presence at various events to ensure our profile is raised and people are aware of what we do and who we are. We welcome all offers of assistance in our efforts to secure funding and help the committee with future plans."

This month KIND are holding their annual golf charity day at Mossman Golf Course on Sunday 30 October. KIND are looking for hole sponsors and BBQ volunteers.

A team of four costs $140.00 and Mossman Golf Club will donate a generous proportion of the funds to KIND.

KIND will also be having a High Tea at the Sheraton in November and have plans for a Mother’s Day event in 2012.

All inquiries should be directed to Jenny White 0407 159 379. 

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