Big Fat fundraiser to help kids

Helen Karamoutsos is running a fundraiser that will not only benefit Kids Helpline but see her teaching Greek dancing to orphan children in Cambodia.

As a member of women’s organisation, Business Chicks, Helen elected to take part in the Business Chicks Cambodia Challenge, which involves cycling 30km a day around Cambodia, as well as assisting children at the Sunrise Children’s Village orphanage.

To qualify, Helen was asked to raise funds for the organisation’s chosen charity, Kids Helpline.

“The Kids Helpline can’t run without the support of non-government funding,” she said. “Especially with suicide rates being so high, it is important that children can dial a number where there is a person on the other end who is willing to listen without judgement. I know when I was growing up I felt that I couldn’t speak to my parents and I wish that back then I would have known about it.”

Helen’s Big Fat Greek Fundraiser is aiming to raise at least $5,000 and will be held at Pontian Community Hall on September 12.

It will feature a Greek theme, door prizes, raffles, a three course dinner, Greek dancing and an opportunity to hear from Kids Helpline speakers.

Helen has already raised the funds to support her trip to Cambodia and underscores that all of the money raised on the night will go towards the Kids Helpline.

In October, Helen will travel with 39 other Business Chicks members to Cambodia, where she will assist the Australian funded Sunrise Children’s Village orphanage for five days with general activities, as well as teach them to dance Greek style.

“We, the generation in our 30s, are the key drivers to create change for the kids of the future,” she says.

To purchase tickets to the fundraiser, contact Helen on 0428 699 498.

Kids Helpline facts

• Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged five to 25 years and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week-free call 1800 55 1800 or online at www.kidshelp.com.au. 
• Each week, over 12,000 kids try to get through to the Kids helpline. However counsellors answer only 6,000 calls and emails each week often regarding very serious issues.
• Four times each day the Kids Helpline speak with children and young people having suicidal thoughts.
• One in five calls relate to mental health, self injury or suicide.