Five years after Kara-Amber, then 8, underwent a life-saving operation, she was delighted to present a cheque worth $10,000 to a charity which supported her during her stay in hospital. Over the past 5 years she has supported the charity with arts and crafts donations and annual volunteering at their Christmas gift wrap stand.
When Kara-Amber’s mum Katherine began work at American owned, global education software firm Turnitin two years ago, she used her allocated "volunteer days" to gift wrap alongside Kara-Amber to support The Children's Foundation. She then - successfully - put the charity forward for the company's charitable funding scheme, resulting in the remarkable $10,000 donation.
Kara-Amber explained "During my recovery in hospital, I received such fantastic care and what really made me smile was a visit from the Clown Doctors. I remember reading in The Children’s Foundation newsletter that they were looking for volunteers and thinking, they had helped me so I want to help them back. I really enjoy volunteering with my mum and feel happy that this has encouraged others to support this wonderful charity"
I am always made to feel very welcome each time I visit the charity. It feels good to give something back, a donation of arts and crafts packs or volunteer time, I know this goes towards helping other children”.
Mum Katherine added “I am so proud that my daughter, Kara-Amber, thought she could make a difference by giving back and she has. It inspired me to become a Volunteer Ambassador for The Children’s Foundation.
It is wonderful to secure this $10,000 funding in our region and raise awareness for the important work The Children's Foundation do for children in the North East”.
Sean Soulsby, Chief Executive at the charity, explained "This story is a great example of the real impact of the work we support, a project like the Clown Doctors makes a big difference to children. We are very grateful for Kara-Amber’s support, her desire to give back and create awareness for the charity has caused this incredible ‘ripple effect"
