The Nationals Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, completed the Nike Half Marathon raising funds for Children Having an Illness Living in Sunraysia (C.H.A.I.L.I.S).
“Running isn’t my thing, but raising awareness and fundraising for a good cause, that’s something I am passionate about,” said Ms Benham
“We raised an amazing $1,200 that will be able to assist families in Sunraysia in need.
“I’d like to thank each person who donated to the team #JBMP4CHAILIS2023 especially FRV Running Club and Mallee Energy Solutions for their very generous donations towards such a great charity,” Ms Benham said.
“It was really great to see such a strong presence of Mildura participants on the course, whether they were doing it to raise awareness for a worthy cause or for themselves, it was pleasing to see familiar faces.”
John Burfitt of C.H.A.I.L.I.S said, “The money the team raised has already assisted 2 Sunraysia families.”
C.H.A.I.L.I.S (Children Having An Illness Living In Sunraysia) is a local charity that provides much needed support to families with a child or children with an illness or life limiting disability.
Families incur significant costs for travel and accommodation whilst their child undergoes treatment in faraway capital cities, including Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide. Often one parent or in a lot of cases both parents will need to give up their employment during the time of their child’s illness, putting families in significant financial stress at a time when their focus is on an unwell child.
At any given time, CHAILIS is supporting 10-15 families with support provided on an individual basis according to each family’s needs. C.H.A.I.L.I.S. supports the families as they undergo treatment and 100% of funds raised are given to the families.
Since the inception of CHAILIS as an official charity in mid-2015, over $415,000 in support has been provided to local Sunraysia family’s. Without the generous support from local business and individuals, like Jade Benham and her amazing team, we simply could not do what we do to support local families. Every single donation, large or small, all contribute to the important work C.H.A.I.L.I.S does.
And whilst we cannot change the fact that they have a sick child, together we can ease some of the financial burden and support them on their journey.
Jade Benham MP with teammate Dominic Mezzatesta after completing the Melbourne Half Marathon
