Disability families across Victoria were given the chance to participate in a joyful day of Christmas giving with Ballan charity Keeley's Cause.
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Ballan teenager Keeley Murphy, founder of the charity that donates iPads to children with intellectual disabilities and autism, gave toys and food hampers to families on Sunday.
A car and motorbike run with almost 100 people driving to Ballan together contributed to a fundraising total of more than $2800 and provided a unique experience for families.
A lot of families can't afford Christmas presents. Most of them are on carer payments or disability pensions.
- Sharon Murphy, Keeley's Cause
Keeley's Cause director Sharon Murphy said many disability families were struggling financially, which made Christmas a stressful time, so the charity wanted to step in to help.
"A lot of families can't afford Christmas presents. Most of them are on carer payments or disability pensions," she said.
"By the time they pay their rents and take their kids to all their occupational therapist and specialist appointments, there is no money left behind."
"This is why we support those families with iPads and why we started up the Keeley's Cause Foodbank. The giving day is an add on for them at Christmas time to ensure they are going to be okay."
Thirty five families registered to receive gifts on Sunday. Many travelled from Melbourne suburbs, Ballarat and beyond.
Ms Murphy said parents in one family with eight children cried when they received their gifts.
All families could choose gifts they liked, with shavers, hairdryers and curlers on offer or adults, toys for children and food hampers for the entire family.
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Funds were raised through a barbecue, merchandise sales and donations.
Ms Murphy said the community support was 'phenomenal'.
Fundraising will boost the charity's capability to donate iPads, with applications now open for families to access 146 iPads ready to give away.
Ms Murphy said she heard many stories about how an iPad could help improve the life of children with intellectual disabilities and autism.
She is preparing to send one iPad to a young girl with autism in Queensland.
Visit keeleyscause.org.au/ for more information.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
