A generous community has helped KidzWish grant wishes to two local children on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Aware how many families are in need of technology, resources and activities to help educate children with a sickness or disability during the coronavirus crisis KidzWish asked for community support through its "Wave Your Wand' initiative.
Just two weeks into her new role KidzWish general manager Julie Gemmell visited the Locke family in Figtree and Paulson family in Berkeley on Friday with some answers to their prayers.
KidzWish knows COVID-19 is an unprecedented time creating many stresses. But with the community's help two families are now able to overcome some of the challenges the coronavirus has created as many families try to educate and care for their children at home.
KidzWish wants to provide more families with resources to help them meet their children's educational and therapy requirements.
Arinya Locke, 7. is a little chatter box who is always on the go. She loves music and particularly enjoys teaching her little brother Jarli to sing and dance. She has Level 2 ASD (autism) and her mother Heidi Locke said she didn't have access to a computer and that made home schooling more difficult.
Mrs Locke said the new computer and printer delivered on Friday will ensure Arinya is able to continue to learn and thrive like other children her age in Year 2.
"This is going to make life so much easier for school work. KidzWish and the community is awesome for doing this. I can't thank them enough".
Berkeley's Myah Paulson, 10 lives with her mother Jenifer Dalton, dog Charlie and her two cats Raven and Josie. She loves talking, drawing and quizzing her family on some of her interests, such as the Simpsons and L.O.L dolls. But with her autism, ADHD and anxiety Myah has been struggling with homeschooling and adapting to the changes and challenges created by the COVID-19.
On Friday KidzWish presented Myah with a tablet that will help her access her schooling. Ms Dalton could not thank the local charity and community enough.
"This has put a massive smile on Myah's face. It means she will be able to do her study letter and school work online with her class".
Mrs Gemmell said KidzWish would like to help more families in need at this time and donations are still being taken for the Wave Your Wand campaign.
"We would love to provide more opportunities to children who need help right now," she said.
"Along with the home schooling being able to stay connected with their peers is really important for children's mental health as well.
"The success of the Wave Your Wand campaign so far means we will be able to do help more families in the community.and expand thje assistance to support services as well".
Read more:
- Smooth start to gradual return of dining in for up to 10 people at a time on Friday in Wollongong and Shellharbour
- North Gong Hotel and Steelers Club to wait until more than 10 people are allowed to frequent pubs and clubs
- Why some Illawarra eateries are holding off plans to open for dine-in on Friday
- Wollongong's only hatted restaurant Caveau won't reopen until the second stage in the easing of COVID-19 restrictions
- Easing of COVID-19 dine-in restrictions at eateries from Friday welcome in Wollongong
- To offer dine-in or not to offer dine-in on Friday is the question for Illawarra eateries
Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
