A photo with Santa is a tradition for most families, but for parents with special needs children, never getting to have the experience is the sad reality.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The line is too long, the noise is too overwhelming, the chaos of the December period is sometimes too much; and the result is no annual photo with Santa.
Field and Game Australia's head of administration and events Lauri Rowe was determined to change that.
And out of that determination grew Field and Game Australia’s community event, Christmas for the Kids.
The first of what Ms Rowe hopes will be an annual event was held on August 9 in Willowmavin at Kilmore Field and Game.
Thirty-five special needs children were invited from Seymour College to enjoy the day, with activities set up including meeting and speaking with Santa.
There were several volunteers on hand throughout the day alongside the teachers to make sure the children had a good time and got a photo with Santa for their families.
The day was officially opened by Member for McEwan Rob Mitchell before the children broke off into groups to enjoy the activities.
“It was heartbreaking when I found out some kids never get the chance to take a picture with Santa,” Ms Rowe said.
“I’m proud with what we’ve achieved. It’s been a huge success.''
Field and Game Australia chief executive Dean O’Hara was thankful to those who came and supported the event.
Sponsors and supporters included The Elms Retirement Village, McPherson Media Group, Woolworths Seymour, Coles Seymour, Fabrics N More Seymour, Reservoir Printing Solutions, Harvey Norman Shepparton, CVGT Australia, Bendigo Bank, Marsh Insurance, and Rotary Kilmore.
“There was an overwhelming number of contributors to support these kids,” Mr O'Hara said.
“The community got right behind us. I really can’t thank our sponsors and supporters enough.
“The CFA was also out, alongside their fire truck, entertaining the children with the fire hose and letting them climb up on the truck.
“More than a few of the students claimed they couldn’t wait to be a fireman as they rushed past Santa and their teachers in excitement.
“Their smiles could not get wider as they all sat down around Santa and each received a gift, containing a beanie hand knitted by Seymour Haberdashery and a book.”
14°C