Jim Stynes helps Challenge

Oct. 30, 2009 - PRLog -- Melbourne Football Club president Jim Stynes lent his support to Australian kids and families living with childhood cancer by visiting Challenge Playgroup this week.  

A long time friend of the not for profit organisation Challenge, Stynes is currently undergoing treatment for cancer so understands first hand the battle these kids are going through and the importance of the tailored support services offered by the organisation.

In 2010, Challenge is planning to further their important program by assisting children living with cancer and their families to navigate their experience through the development of a family resource centre which compliments their existing range of services.

The Family Resource Centre will be the only purpose built facility in Victoria providing coordinated information and support, in a warm and friendly environment outside of a hospital setting, which is specific to children living with cancer and their loved ones, giving families knowledge, experiences and skills to help them move forward confidently at each stage of their journey.  

An application is before the Victorian Government for start up funding. Additional funding will be needed to ensure this important project moves forward. Challenge is currently seeking public funds for staffing of the centre.

Today Challenge announced it intends offering art therapy classes in addition to its current program. Applications for the position of Art Therapist are now open.

“I very much look forward to the time when the Challenge Family Resource Centre is up and running and Victorian families are able to access every tool they need to successfully navigate their cancer journey” says Challenge CEO David Rogers.

Challenge’s services reach more than 300 young people aged 18 years and under each week and provide fun and support for the entire family. Assisting families on a daily basis, both in and out of hospital, Challenge provides camps, family activity days, hospital and parent support, holiday accommodation, celebrity visits plus many other services.

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Challenge is a non-profit organisation established in 1983 to provide children living with cancer and other life-threatening blood disorders with the opportunity to put their illness aside and interact with other children in similar circumstances.