FORMED 25 years ago, the Great Lakes Camp Quality Fundraising Group has closed due to current members being unable to continue their roles and a lack of new volunteers signing up.
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The group was formed to hold fundraising activities for the not-for-profit organisation Camp Quality which delivers services and programs to children living with cancer.
“Unfortunately it just wasn’t working anymore,” group president Jackie Edmunds said.
“Members are too busy to commit and don’t have the time to take on a higher role. The age of our members also plays a big part. We’re not getting any younger ones on board to help out.
‘I was a bit teary for a while about it closing but it just couldn’t go on like it was.’
- Camp Quality group president Jackie Edmunds
“We did talk about alternatives but this seemed like the best solution. It was a unanimous vote to close it.
“I was a bit teary for a while about it closing but it just couldn’t go on like it was.”
Marge Cooper, who has been a volunteer with the organisation since 1994, said it seemed to be the same situation many charities were facing.
“It’s the same old story, we’re all getting older and we’re trying to get some new blood but the young ones either aren’t interested or are working full-time,” she said.
“The membership has really fallen down over the years and it’s a shame.
“It’s very sad to see but the people that have been with the group for many years have made a positive difference for a lot of children.”
The group had their last fundraiser on June 13 for Black Friday. Members gathered for one last time for a farewell lunch at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club on Sunday July 13.
Mrs Edmunds thanked the community for all their support over the years.
“Businesses and individuals – the community as a whole have been fantastic,” she said.
“There were always people donating or businesses contributing in some way which was great to see.”
Mrs Edmunds said despite the group no longer operating, she is still going to continue hosting fundraisers for the charity.
“I’ve organised a trivia night at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club on September 13 and hopefully there will be some other independent fundraisers held locally,” she said.
“Hopefully one day the group will be able to start up again.”
Camp Quality relies heavily on volunteers and currently receives no government funding. Visit www.campquality.org.au for more information.
