History of the 4K
The 4K is a charity formed and operated to raise funds and provide support for children who are disabled or disadvantaged and their families within the Southern Highlands of NSW.
The 4K’s represent Knowledge, Kindness, Keys and most importantly Kids. Our Knowledge of available services and the Kindness of our community are the Keys to helping us support Special Deeds for Kids in Need.
We began life in 1989 when 7 local people recognised the shortage of some services to help disabled and disadvantaged kids in the local area (Wingecarribee Shire) and set about trying to improve things. Our community has supported us financially every year since then and we could do nothing without that ongoing support.
Some 35 years later the 4K has raised more than $4,500,000 for kids and their families and has made a lasting impact on many lives. In addition to the many individuals and their families, many other charitable organisations and schools have been supported by the 4K.
Those who have received support include the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Shepherd Centre, Childflight, Clown Doctors, Camp Quality, Interchange Australia, The Bradman Foundation and Raise Foundation.
Our support has provided, computers and educational aids, critical medical equipment such as wheelchairs and breathing aids, mechanical lifts, cochlear implants, hearing aid, sunshades over school playgrounds, soft-play ground coverage, building extensions and access to cars.
After receiving lots of feedback from the community it serves, the 4K has partnered with the Wingecarribee Shire Council and the NSW State Government to build an all abilities playspace within the community. This playspace will enable those children with disabilities to play alongside the family and friends in a safe environment which stimulated the body and the mind, without feeling isolated. This is a lasting legacy project for the community.
The 4K also partnered with 2 other local charities to seed fund a mentorship program into local high schools which was aimed at kids in year 8. Research had shown that young people who are mentored have lower levels of depression, a higher sense of wellbeing, know where to go for support and are more likely to find employment and their future path. The program delivered by the Raise Foundation has been running for 4 years and feedback from participants and schools has been very positive.
Another area of support provided by the 4K is for those trying to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme run by the Federal Government. Access to the scheme requires proper medical assessment and this can be both difficult to access in a timely manner and expensive. This is particularly the case for Occupational and Speech Therapists. The 4K has funded the assessments and used their network of providers to deliver the best possible outcomes for those families and speed up the access to a very important support program.
A growing issue is one surrounding victims of domestic violence. These families are dealing with extreme trauma and often find themselves in severe need. The 4K has partnered with an important local group Popin to provide facilities and programs which support these victims in their time of need. The 4K also supports these victims individually.
SPECIAL DEEDS FOR KIDS IN NEED
