The National’s Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, is encouraging the community to recognise and appreciate the hard work of volunteers across the region during National Volunteer Week.
One such volunteer, founder of Children Having An Illness Living In Sunraysia (C.H.A.I.L.I.S) John Burfitt, has spent more than 40 years tirelessly fundraising to help vulnerable children and their families during the most difficult time of their lives.
Last year, Ms Benham completed the Nike Half Marathon raising an impressive $1,200 for C.H.A.I.L.I.S to help Sunraysia families in need.
“Running has become my thing by doing something far more important, raising awareness and funds for a good cause, that’s something I am passionate about,” Ms Benham said.
“Due to a lack of specialist services locally, Sunraysia families often need to travel vast distances to access care, incurring significant costs for travel and accommodation whilst their child undergoes treatment in Melbourne or Adelaide.
“In some cases, one or both parents will be forced to give up their employment while their child is receiving treatment, which means less income for the family at a time when their sole focus should be on the health of their child.
“Volunteers like John and organisations like C.H.A.I.L.I.S make a huge impact on these families, run 100 per cent by volunteers and with 100 per cent of funds donated being given directly to families to support them while their child undergoes treatment.”
The 14 wonderful volunteers at C.H.A.I.L.I.S are just some of the many right across the Sunraysia region, who we thank for their tireless service and dedication to bettering our community.
