The risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic have forced organisers to postpone the popular Cops n Kids camp for another year.
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The four-day camp for children with life threatening illnesses was meant to run this weekend across Ballarat, including a fun day at the Ballarat Airport and other community venues.
This year's camp was set to be the 25th since the program was co-founded by former police officer John Moloney in 1995.
Last year's camp was also postponed, meaning the last chance children and their families had to enjoy the time away was November 2019.
For four days they can put their feet up knowing the child is up here in good hands having the time of their life.
- John Moloney, Cops N Kids co-founder
Mr Moloney said the camp gave families a break from the intensity of caring for a child with a life-threatening illness and it was a chance for children to have a fun carefree time away.
"It has been a tough time for the families," he said.
"Usually the four days gives the family and the rest of the siblings of the child that is not well a break.
"The member of the family who is sick probably gets looked after more with special attention that comes with being in the special position they are.
"You never hear a whinge or whine from other family members, but I am sure the rest of the family can get together and have a great time instead of sitting in a hospital or getting prepared to go to hospital again.
"For four days they can put their feet up knowing the child is up here in good hands having the time of their life."
Mr Moloney said the cancellation of the camp was disappointing for the children and families, but also volunteers, businesses and supporters involved.
"Businesses have have gone through a hard time for the past two years as well but the sheer enthusiasm to say they have missed us and are looking forward to seeing you again is quite humbling.
"I had to tell a bloke who had got eight of his mates to get their cars ready to come out for the weekend that it was cancelled. There are always these people out there that look forward to it as much as we do."
Mr Moloney said the camp needed continued community support and donations to run next year and donations could be made to the Ballarat Police Station.
"A big thank you for all of the previous support we have ever received," he said.
"The support received makes us all very proud of what we do and appreciative of that support because our dreams are fulfilled."
Sixty children attended the last Cops N Kids four day camp in November 2019.
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