Eddie on the Road
Eddie on the Road began in mid-2011 as Edmund Rice Camps for Kids WA wished to reach a broader area of communities and kids in need.
As we're aware of the difficulties of country kids reaching our metropolitan camps, this initiative allows us to bring the camps to them, basically creating a travelling camp where we can reach kids from far and wide, to have fun and make a difference.
Essentially we facilitate activities for local kids to get involved in over the school holidays or weekend, including many typical camp activities such as games, sports, arts and crafts, and much more!
All resources are supplied along with experienced ERCKWA staff and volunteers to facilitate the programs, in partnership with representatives from the country towns.
It's important to note, however, that the program is not just purely about recreation. Our volunteers role model good behaviour and leadership qualities which are passed on to children living in rural and remote areas.
There are also opportunities for youth aged 17 and over to attend ERCKWA's Perth-based programs in a leadership role.
Since 2011, successful programs have been run in Yalgoo, Meekatharra, Leonora, Kalgoorlie, Kurrawang, Brookton, Broome, Paraburdoo, Moora, Marble Bar, Nullagine, Jigalong and Tom Price. We continue to visit many of these communities to provide ongoing support.
If your community is interested in regular Eddie on the Road visits, please contact ERCKWA Philanthropy Manager Nicole Mancini via nmancini@edmundrice.org for further information.
The program comes at no cost to the local community; however assistance with accommodation is appreciated.
One of our wonderful Eddie On The Road volunteers shared her story with us:
Zoya Yukhnevich - ERCKWA Volunteer
I began writing this trying to sum up Eddie on the Road in one word, but the truth is, there is no one word that can describe the amazingly wonderful experience that it is. I was lucky enough to be a part of group two this October running programs in Onslow and Yalgoo. The two communities were chalk and cheese yet both offered myself and my fellow volunteers the opportunity to immerse ourselves in true Eddie spirit, covering ourselves in shaving foam and lots and lots of glitter, running some amazing programs!
In Onslow, we ran games at a the local recreation hall. It was amazing to see the kids get so behind the activities, giving 110% in everything we threw at them. The group games were a real hit too as they allowed them to demonstrate their team work skills. Yalgoo was completely different yet equally as fun. Being such a small community, the kids really just enjoyed hanging out at the Rage cage and spending some time with some new faces. As I had been to Yalgoo before, I got to see some familiar faces, some of which even recognised me!
We ended our trip with a bang at the Yalgoo Goo Fest (quite literally-there were fireworks)! The Goo Fest is an event which brought the whole community together with music, games, face painting, food and of course the infamous emu races, where the kids would dress up as emus and race! It was so wonderful to be a part of an event that fostered community development and relationships. The day went of without a glitch; there were countless smiles, new dance moves learnt, races and more. It was the perfect ending to our trip!
All in all, this Eddie On The Road experience was truly fabulous, one which I was lucky enough to share with a beautiful bunch of people. It was a week I am sure I will remember for a very long time (and not just because I am still washing copious amounts of glitter out of my hair)! I loved every moment!