Throughout December, over 400 children with special needs and their families accessed free respite care provided by students from 32 high schools and universities across Australia, as part of Sony Foundation’s Children’s Holiday Camp program. The campers had a holiday of a lifetime taking part in activities including visits to theme parks, days at the fair, reptile visits, Christmas crafts, and movie nights, all made possible by the student companions and their school communities.
“I felt that taking 4 days out of my holidays, which was such a small thing for me, in return of 4 days of respite for these families would make such a significant difference in their lives especially during Christmas time.”
Annika, Year 11 Student Companion, Abbotsleigh
In 2019, Sony Camps provided over $1.8 million in respite care, to more than 1,100 children with special needs and their families. This four days of respite is often the only break from full time care these parents have each year.
“The feelings knowing that the volunteers have given up paid work, school holidays, family time and social commitments, some at their first camp, but others helping behind the scenes for over a decade, was heart-warming.”
Parent of Camper at a Sony Foundation Holiday Camp 2019
SHOUT OUT TO OUR PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Abbotsleigh School for Girls Knox Grammar School
Bond University
Brisbane State High School University of Queensland
Brighton Grammar School
Canberra Grammar School Canberra Girls
Christ Church Grammar School Methodist Ladies’ College
Launceston Church Grammar School
Moriah College Masada College Emanuel School
Pymble Ladies’ College Sydney Church of England Grammar [Shore]
Sababa Melbourne [Flying Fox]
SCOTS College, Warwick
St Andrew’s College, University of Sydney
St Ignatius College Riverview Loreto Normanhurst Loreto Kirribilli Monte St Angelo
St Joseph’s College Brigidine College Marist Sisters College
St Kevin’s College Xavier College Genazzano FCJ College Loreto Mandeville Hall
The Cathedral School
The Illawarra Grammar School
