Helping kids to a better future

In 2010 Varsity Lakes local Camille Vowles came across an article on disadvantaged children who had no access to essentials such as food and shoes at home.  The story struck such a nerve that she was moved to action – and not-for-profit organisation, Live to Give, was born.

Camille began building care packs to deliver to children’s hostels around Queensland and, today, Live to Give supports disadvantaged and under privileged children in communities Australia-wide.

Over the past seven years, Camille and her team of five volunteers have supported more than 6,000 young people, providing essential hygiene, educational and sporting items to restore dignity to those who need it most.

Camille says the work she does for children – orchestrated from her family home in Varsity Lakes – would not be possible if it weren’t for the support of the local community.

“We have such an amazing community, which has really helped to turn that initial dream of supporting disadvantaged and underprivileged children into a reality,” she said.

“We have supported children in remote areas in compromising situations including at risk, vulnerable and socially isolated youth, along with those seeking refuge from domestic violence, the homeless, sick and those effected by natural disasters.

“It has been such a humbling journey to see the difference something as small as a pair of shoes can make to a child’s life.

“I have learnt what a powerful tool social media can be – the bulk of the organisation is run from our family home so we wouldn’t have been able to touch the hearts of so many children without this avenue of communication.”

Camille says the sky is the limit for Live to Give and registering as a charity is the next step in her mission.

“It has been truly heart-warming to see my small idea progressively grow until we registered as a not-for-profit organisation in 2014,” she said.

“We are now in the process of registering as a charity, as that will allow us to give tax deductable receipts, which will open up more opportunities for business involvement and, therefore,  help us to grow and impact more lives.  Who knows what we can achieve with that extra support?

“We are in the early stages of organising a domestic violence project, where we will give support to children who are fleeing a violent situation by providing basic hygiene, school supplies, clothing and anything else we can that will assist them.

“The opportunities are endless – it will be exciting to see how many lives we can positively impact in the years to come.”

If you would like to support disadvantaged children and get involved with Live To Give, visit http://livetogive.com.au/