EDITION 16
In Our Community:
Working Together to make lives brighter
Ray White shows up for Camp Quality Puppets
Ray White Newcastle Lake Macquarie has partnered with children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality, to make life brighter for kids in the Hunter region facing cancer by helping fund local, age-appropriate educational shows, performed by the Camp Quality Puppets.
“The generosity of Ray White Newcastle Lake Macquarie is crucial to the work the Camp Quality Puppets’ team does in the Hunter region,” says Camp Quality, CEO Deborah Thomas.
The aim of the partnership, which kicked off halfway through last year, was to fund the delivery of 15 Cancer Education Program (CEP) puppet shows that dispel cancer myths (such as you can catch cancer) and ease the transition for kids returning to school following cancer treatment.
“People don’t usually think about kids with cancer – or kids who are dealing with a sibling or parent’s diagnosis – being bullied about it at school,” says Ray White Director, Darren Penn.
“But it’s a sad reality. Kids who might look different due to treatment or have some limitations because of being sick, or from the side effects of the medicine, can be targeted by bullies.”
The CEP puppet shows bust some of the myths around cancer and help create some understanding about how everyone can be a better friend to someone in their school, family, or the broader community who is struggling through a cancer diagnosis. The program has been reviewed by KPMG and found to not only reduce bullying but also reduce absenteeism and promote better mental health outcomes for families dealing with cancer.
“To think that kids could be coming back to school following the pain and stress of cancer treatment to face the stress of being bullied is awful.”
– Darren Penn, Ray White Newcastle, Director
Ray White Newcastle and Camp Quality staff at the partnership launch
“I’m really proud that we have been able to help Camp Quality spread this message throughout schools in Newcastle and the Hunter. To think that kids could be coming back to school following the pain and stress of cancer treatment to face the stress of being bullied is awful,” Darren says.
Camp Quality’s Cancer Education Program has been proven not only to make the classroom and the playground more inclusive places for kids facing cancer, but to improve academic outcomes for children whose education has been interrupted by illness and long stays in hospital.
“The generosity of Ray White Newcastle Lake Macquarie is crucial to the work the Camp Quality Puppets’ team does in the Hunter region,”
says Camp Quality, CEO Deborah Thomas.
“Cancer is hugely disruptive to a child’s education,” says Deborah Thomas. “Missing those important early-year milestones can mean delays all through life.
To ensure that children with cancer aren’t held back, it’s important that school be a refuge from the trauma of cancer. That means being treated with the care and respect they deserve,” says Deborah.
Seeing the Impact First-Hand
The Ray White team have also been able to get involved in the partnership through volunteering. Back in September, the team wrote heartfelt birthday cards for kids impacted by cancer as a small gesture that brings joy and a sense of normality, especially for those in hospital or undergoing treatment on their special day. More recently, staff at Ray White Newcastle Lake Macquarie were able to see for themselves the impact of their contribution when they attended a CEP show at a local primary school.
“The shows were great!” said Kim Tapley, at Ray White Newcastle Lake Macquarie.
“Cancer is obviously a serious topic but the puppets dealt with it in a way that was so much fun and reassuring for kids. And it wasn’t just the students who got a laugh from it, the teachers and the parents really enjoyed it too.” added Demika Crow, one of the Sales Agents, who also experienced the program.
As well as being stars of the shows for schools and early learning centres the Camp Quality Puppets also visit kids in hospital.
“Cancer is obviously a serious topic but the puppets dealt with it in a way that was so much fun and reassuring for kids. And it wasn’t just the students who got a laugh from it, the teachers and the parents really enjoyed it too.”
Children with cancer can spend years in and out of hospital, often for months at a time. Treatment is painful and the long stays isolating and no fun at all. For children, who can become anxious and depressed, a visit from the Camp Quality Puppets is just what the doctor ordered.
According to parents, their children’s eyes light up and the whole ward fills with colour, laughter and movement when the puppets pay a visit.
“The puppets are such a welcome distraction from the tedium and trauma of cancer treatment,” says Deborah. Also, the visits – which are tailored to suit the individual child help to reduce anxiety.
“We are grateful to Ray White Newcastle Lake Macquarie for supporting the local community by helping to send the puppets to where they’re needed. It helps us bring positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer.
If you are business who is keen to work with Camp Quality, please reach out to the team at newcastle@campquality.org.au to find out more about how your support can have a meaningful local impact.
Did You Know?
The first Camp Quality Convoy Newcastle was held in March this year. Thanks to local community support over $165,000 was raised.
a one stop place to find all the local cancer support services.
409 families
in the Hunter are registered with Camp Quality.
Newcastle is home to Camp Quality’s only office outside the capital cities.
Motorcycle enthusiasts raised over $250,000 during Motocyc, a three-day ride beginning and ending in the beautiful Hunter region.