NSW Kids in Need hosted a very special event this weekend at locations across the state, with Williamtown RAAF base as one of the venues for the ‘World’s Largest Open House’.
NSW Kids In Need is a charity group, whose objective is to support as many kids in need as possible by providing a single, united platform which supports six charities.
The “Kids in Need” fundraising project is designed to overcome the difficulties small charities experience in fundraising. This project uses one annual fundraising event to maximise efforts and access more of the NSW public.
The six charities that benefit from the NSW Kids in Need Foundation Ltd are: Bear Cottage Children’s Hospice, Central Coast Kids In Need, Duke of Edinburgh Award – Australia, Muscular Dystrophy NSW, SHINE For Kids and Westmead Children’s Hospital Burns Unit.
Williamtown put on a fine ‘Open House’ for NSW Kids in Need, throwing its doors open to the public to view the home of the F/A-18 Hornets, Hawk training aircraft, E-7A Wedgetail and PC-9/A Forward Air Control aircraft.
Static displays at RAAF Base Williamtown included current Air Force aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Hornet, Hawk 127 Lead In Fighter aircraft and the E-7A Wedgetail, as well as a Panther Fire Truck.
Base personnel demonstrated their firefighting equipment, there were displays from the Australian Army, and Air Force personnel were on hand to answer any questions about the base.
Children, and adults if they desired, were given camouflage face paint to really get into the spirit of the day.
Also on hand to dispense information and learning experiences were the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle, Security Unit and Defence Recruiting.
NSW Kids in Need founder and Chairman, former NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam, says the third year of the ‘World’s Largest Open House’ was almost certainly the best in terms of venues on offer.
“The day truly provides an incredible experience for people and, in turn, they raise funds that make a real difference in the lives of children who need it most,” he said.
NSW Kids in Need operates on a Zero Cost basis so every single dollar raised goes to helping kids, with funds spread evenly to the six beneficiaries.
By Rachael VAUGHAN
Sophia, Lachlan and Hayden Reddon.(center)
Hayden Reddon enjoyed the camouflage facepainting.(right)
