Ocean Grove Toy Library is planning something special for Children’s Week.
The volunteer-run library services more than 130 local families, but this year it will begin a drive to support Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
“Last year we held a free ‘stay and play’ event at the toy library, which was really popular, with 150 people in attendance,” Ocean Grove Toy Library coordinator Lin Grant said.
“This year we wanted to convert that celebration of all things kids into tangible support for a charity very close to our hearts.
“A treasured former toy library coordinator recently shared with us the life-changing news that her son has been diagnosed with DMD, a degenerative life-limiting condition many of us had never heard of. We have since found out it is the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy, and currently, there’s no cure.”
As the toy library committee was planning its annual stay and play event, the conversation turned to the idea of raising much-needed funds and awareness of DMD.
Local businesses have gotten behind the idea, generously donating hundreds of dollars worth of prizes for a huge raffle.
In the lead up to the free stay and play event, people can purchase tickets for the raffle via the Ocean Grove Toy Library Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on the day.
Kids can enjoy a performance by Nicholas Ridiculous, as well as face painting by Little Squirtz Artworks, with the raffle prizes being drawn on the day.
“We’ve got everything you can imagine in the draw, from spa treatments and vouchers to a slab of boutique beer, with the big prize lunch for two on the Q Train,” Lin said.
Every cent raised goes to support finding a cure for DMD through the Gillin Boys Foundation Muscular Dystrophy Awareness charity.
Ocean Grove Toy Library’s free Children’s Week ‘Stay and Play’ fundraiser event is on Saturday October 28 from 10am to 2pm at Boorai Centre, Ocean Grove. Tickets at Eventbrite.
