Samuel Brett Nelson Kickstart Foundation co-founder, Nikki Nelson, says there's no feeling like giving to others.
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Unfortunately, the Forster-based charity has been limited in the assistance its been able to administer this year, with the majority of programs it offers to disadvantaged children put on hold because of COVID-19.
Mrs Nelson says the situation is unavoidable but disappointing, given the pressure the pandemic has put on a lot of families in the community.
"Mental health is through the roof because of what's going on," she said.
"Kids are seeing their parents suffering."
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The return of two of the foundation's programs - guitar lessons and coaching through the Jeff Summers Football Academy - has brought back a slight sense of normality, but Mrs Nelson admits 2020 will most likely be a write-off.
Not that it hasn't been productive in other ways.
The foundation has put its support behind a new program from Forster MMA that aims to help autistic high school children overcome bullying and predation.
We've got three years of these programs running and being successful.
- Nikki Nelson
In addition, it has just taken on someone to help acquire grants and donations from outside the local community.
Mrs Nelson said her and her husband Steve had been looking for someone to fill this role for sometime and she was confident the foundation would grow as a result.
"We've got three years of these programs running and being successful, so that stands us in good stead," she said.
"It'll be awesome not to rely on our community too much. They've been amazing but you can ask too much."
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Up until now, the Mid Coast community has been the sole supporter of the foundation, with a trivia night last year raising close to $35,000 alone.
Mrs Nelson said the community's generosity had been heartwarming.
"They really care about our family," she said.
"I think they really love what we do."
Going forward, Mrs Nelson said the foundation would look to expand its programs beyond the Great Lakes into primary schools in the Manning and continue to support positive initiatives.
"We're always thinking about different things we can add to help kids," she said.
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