Feel the Magic, one of Australia’s leading charities offering holistic, evidence-based face-to-face and virtual support services to children and families who are grieving the death of a parent, guardian or sibling, today announced that its annual fundraising challenge, 1-in-20, is now open for registration.
Throughout the month of October, participants are encouraged to walk or run 120kms (or what they can) and each aims to raise a minimum of $120 to honour and support the 1-in-20 Australian children who will experience the death of a parent before they turn 18.
Feel the Magic provides grief education, evidence-based programs and support to bereaved children and their families across Sydney, Regional NSW, ACT and VIC through its signature 3-day Camp Magic, workshops, programs and resources.
Virtual camps are available nationally to help grieving kids heal no matter where they are. The annual 1-in-20 fundraising challenge has been instrumental in covering the costs of running the camps which are developed by clinical psychologists and delivered by mental health experts.
Adam Blatch, CEO, of Feel the Magic said: “The 1-in-20 fundraising challenge is one of the most important events for Feel the Magic because, thanks to all the participants every year, we are able to run our highly successful and life-changing camps for bereaved children – all free for families who need this support.
“It is through our Camps that kids are taught practical and healthy coping strategies to help them through their grief.
“Since we launched Camp Magic in 2015, Feel the Magic has helped grieving kids rebuild their confidence and self-respect through connecting with other kids just like them and finding a place where they feel safe to face, feel and heal in their grief. Raising $1,500 will sponsor a grieving child to go to Camp Magic and that’s an opportunity to change a kid’s life.
Kelly Drover’s son, James has attended Camp Magic and Kelly herself has been a mentor to other grieving children at previous camps.
Kelly says: “Feel the Magic will change your life and make you realise you’re not alone on this journey. You are part of a family that supports you and helps you to live with your grief.
“The biggest thing for him [James] was to be around other kids who just get it…[At camp] he was in this safe space with other kids that, even if it was unspoken, there was just this connection”.
“October also happens to be Mental Health Awareness Month which is a good reminder for all. Childhood bereavement can lead to a lifetime of mental health challenges if not supported with programs and strategies like what we teach the kids at Camp. And we know how much exercise and fresh hair can help with mental health,” Adam Blatch continued.
“I encourage people to sign up to the 1-in-20 challenge, do it for your own mental health as well as to help Feel the Magic on our journey and commitment to helping grieving children to reach their full potential without the devastating effects that childhood bereavement can have.”
Feel the Magic also announced Australian Olympic diver Melissa Wu as an ambassador.
Melissa experienced childhood bereavement after her sister died 8 years ago. This was a huge catalyst in her drive for achieving Olympic, Commonwealth and other significant sporting success.
“I am committed to helping kids by sharing my story and hopefully they take away something from my journey. I have met some inspiring kids already at a Feel the Magic Family Day Camp and have seen the amazing impact camps have on these kids. But more kids need this support and community,” Ms Wu said.
“I am proudly taking part in the 1-in-20 challenge to raise money to send more grieving kids to camps.”
To sign up for the 1-in-20 challenge, click here.
