Adventure, laughter and courage were in full force at Trillian Wero Whitewater Park, where children living with cancer and their companions enjoyed a well-deserved day out as part of a week-long Camp Quality summer camp programme.
The group took on the Tamariki River Rafting experience — a gentle Grade 1–2 rafting course designed especially for beginners, offering plenty of splashes and even an optional swim through the rapids. They also stepped outside their comfort zones on the high ropes confidence course at Wero Climb.
It’s the fourth year the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation has delivered the fun day out at Wero, thanks to funding supplied by Trillian Trust and supported by Wiri Licensing Trust.
“It’s such a brilliant day. It gives the kids a real boost,” says Foundation General Manager Rick Pickard.
Rick loves seeing the children from Auckland and Northland enjoy some normality, take time out from a tough situation and meet other young people who understand their situation and what they are going through.
“We try to give them the best day of their life.”
The Foundation also fuels the adventure day by providing a pizza lunch.
Wiri Licensing Trust General Manager Kim Green says the organisation is delighted to support the Wero adventure day.
“Not only does this give these amazing kids a break from dealing with their health issues, but it also showcases one of the fabulous entertainment facilities in our region. Wero Whitewater Park has so much to offer.”
Each year more than 50 children aged five to 16 who have been diagnosed with cancer attend a week-long Camp Quality summer camp in Auckland. Every camper gets matched with a volunteer companion who is their very own buddy at camp. Any medical needs the children have during their time away are managed by the camp nursing team.
As well as adventure activities, the camps offer arts and crafts, games, concerts and movie nights, bringing fun, hope and happiness into the lives of children living with cancer and inspiring them to be kids again.
Find out more at the Camp Quality website.
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.
