MERCURY SERIES: MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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Greg and Margaret Herbert are an "unreal" uncle and aunty.
The Kiama couple are volunteers in the CareSouth Aunties and Uncles Program, which helps build a better life for children.
The program matches volunteer "aunties" and "uncles" with children in need of support.
The Herberts decided to apply to the program several years ago when their own children, Matthew and Isabel, were in their teens.
"We knew of the program and our two children were getting more independent," Mrs Herbert said.
"We have had our little girl for three years now."
Isabel was keen to have someone she could treat like a younger sibling.
Mr and Mrs Herbert thought it would be fun to invest in the life of another child.
The Herberts said CareSouth provided training and all the assistance they needed to take on the role of an aunty and uncle for the young girl.
"They stressed we were not there to do exciting, adventurous things all the time," Mrs Herbert said.
"You just do some one-on-one things with that child. A lot of the time the children who are in these programs don't get a lot of individual time."
Mr and Mrs Herbert said they saw the child at least once a month and stayed in phone contact more regularly, often once a week.
They have also been able to help out in emergencies.
Recently they looked after the child for a week when her mum broke her leg.
Mr Herbert said the relationship between the aunty and uncle and the child was allowed to develop at the child's pace. The child's family must OK all activities.
The Herberts said the first night their "niece" stayed over was a big deal for her but their daughter was happy to share her room and make it easier.
Since then the trust has kept growing.
"We just know her so well now," Mrs Herbert said.
"Isabel is really good with her. Mainly we do homey things and bake.
"We have also done school projects and it is very rewarding. It is quite good fun for all of us actually.
"We have taken her down to the beach and swimming, and a couple of weeks ago we took her down to the snow," Mr Herbert said.
"That was a big thing for her to go and see snow and play in it. We took her on a train to Sydney and walked across the bridge. We are not doing anything better than her mum can do. We are just helping out."
Mrs Herbert said many people in Kiama knew of the girl they called their "unreal niece" but not her name or any personal details.
CareSouth hosts events to give the aunties and uncles and children involved the chance to meet each other and network.
CareSouth Aunties and Uncles Program manager Clare Wilson said the program targeted children who would benefit from mentoring and support from an extended family or "unreal" uncles and aunties.
"We use that term because there is something fabulous and unreal about it," she said.
Children involved often kept in contact with their unreal aunties and uncles when they grew up.
Most families who became involved felt it added to their own life experiences without having to give up anything or having to take children on expensive outings, Ms Wilson said.
"It is about having an impact in a child's life.
"There are a lot of families who are struggling and need support. There are quite a lot of kids on the waiting list."
Twenty children are already involved in the program, which extends as far south as Batemans Bay.
All volunteers go through an assessment and training process.
CareSouth will hold an information night on the program at 5pm on Thursday at Kiama Leagues Club and an information stall at the Kiama Seaside Market tomorrow.