Please help us support disabled youths in Australia
We are seeking donation for our 2023 Order of Malta Camp for Disabled Youth in Australia, which will be hosted in November at the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre, Grose Vale NSW.
It will probably come as no surprise that research repeatedly finds that youths with disability, and their families experience higher levels of social isolation compared to the rest of the population. What is not as well-known is the often painful impact this isolation can have on their development of life skills and social wellbeing, therefore creating further barriers to participation in society.
The Order of Malta Camps for Disabled Youth aims to support its guests in a number of ways. They help young people overcome personal barriers by providing a safe space to enjoy sports, have fun and interact with others, regardless of ability. They also forge a sense of community amongst the guests and volunteers, who come together through group activities, social events and both physical and mental challenges. They can also provide respite for their families while at the camp.
With just three Order of Malta Australia camps under our belt, there are already so many inspirational stories that have come from them. Some favourites include:
- A pair of siblings attending one camp who had never been apart from their parents, who after battling home sickness for the first couple of days didn’t want to leave their new friends at the completion of the camp.
- A young man who would rarely communicate verbally but was talking by the end of the camp.
- When a carer sent camp photos to a participant’s parents who were amazed to see their reclusive son dancing excitedly with his new friends.
There are so many examples of joy, laughter, love and care during our camps, that not only providing life changing experiences, but lifelong friendships between all participants – guests and our young volunteers.
Following the success of our previous camps, our reputation amongst disability care providers across Australia has been firmly established and word has spread amongst their clients. The 2023 camp is set to be our biggest yet, with attendee Expressions of Interest coming in from across Australia – a testament to the value of these camps that guests and their carers will travel interstate to attend.
The Order of Malta has received generous gifts to host the camp, however we are still short of our target.
Please consider a donation to the Order of Malta to allows us to offer this experience to all the disabled guests who have applied. We need to raise a further $20,000 for the accommodation, meals and activities.
Gifts of all sizes are greatly appreciated and donations of $2 and more are tax deductible for Australian taxpayers. Please give what you can!
Ways to donate:
- Online using our secure donation facility
- Direct Deposit: Acc: Order of Malta, BSB 083-453, Acc: 44888 1897
- Post: Cheques payable to ‘The Order of Malta and sent to ‘The Order of Malta, PO Box 79, CARINGBAH, NSW 1495’
- Phone: Calling 02 9331 8477 (please note the office is closed weekends and Tuesdays)
