The Our Kids Community Grants aim to improve children’s health in the Northern Rivers and help purchase equipment for families and community groups that care for local children living with special needs.

There are two applications: one for groups and one for individuals.

Grants of up to $2000 are available to parents and guardians who care for children living with special needs. Children’s community health organisations, health professionals, and community groups that care for children living with special needs and chronically ill children can also apply.

“The grants are a great way to give back to families and children outside of the hospital walls,” Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, said.

“We encourage families and groups who care for children living with special needs living in the Northern Rivers and who need equipment or therapeutic assistance to apply, particularly those who have been affected by the floods,” Rebekka said.

Local boy Nash Hilliard has been the recipient of an Our Kids Community Grant which assisted with feeding supplements and equipment to help care for Nash, who needs nasogastric feeds to thrive, and has spent many weeks of his life in the Lismore Base Hospital Children’s Ward. Nash was also one of the stars of the Our Kids Calendar in 2019.

Alyssia Hilliard, Nash’s mum, said the grants had been a huge benefit to her family.

“The help from the Our Kids Grant has been absolutely life-changing. It helps us not to stress or worry as there is so much needed when caring for a child living with special needs,” Ms Hilliard said.

This year, the James Frizelles Charitable Foundation and the Far North Coast Law Society are generously helping Our Kids to fund the Community Grants.

“Given that the February flood destroyed the Our Kids Office and we are rebuilding, all Our Kids fundraising events are on hold, so it’s incredible to have this extra support this year,” Rebekka said.

The James Frizelles Charitable Foundation’s aim is to make a lasting change to the lives of people in need in Northern NSW and Southeast Queensland.

The Far North Coast Law Society support various community events and conducts local fundraising throughout the year to support the local community.

To apply for an Our Kids Community Grant, apply online at www.ourkids.org.au.

Applications close on 1 July 2022.

If you would like to contribute and support this project, please contact the Our Kids Office on 6620 2705. All donations are tax-deductible.