Toy Library to celebrate Children’s Week for a good cause

THE Ocean Grove Toy Library is celebrating Children’s Week by hosting an inclusive fundraiser that aims to help find a cure for a common childhood muscular condition.

The volunteer-run library servicing organisation will be hosting a free stay and play’ event on October 28, with all proceeds going towards charities supporting young children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

DMD is a degenerative life-limiting condition which causes a gradual loss of muscle function which affects everyday movements and activities.

Recently, a treasured member of the Ocean Grove Toy Library found out her son had been diagnosed with the condition.

Ocean Grove Toy Library co-ordinator Lin Grant said the cause was well worth supporting, particularly during Children’s Week.

“DMD is the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy, and currently, there’s no cure.

“As we were planning our annual stay and play event the Committee thought – let’s take this opportunity to raise much-needed funds and awareness of DMD.

“Every cent we raise is going to support finding a cure for DMD, through the Gillin Boys Foundation Muscular Dystrophy Awareness charity who have a partnership with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

“We want to do all we can as a volunteer-run organisation to help find a cure, and we hope our local community will dig deep to buy as many raffle tickets as they can.”

The free stay and play event will feature a performance by children’s performer Nicholas Ridiculous, face painting from Little Squirtz Artwork and plenty of fun activities and raffle draws.

Last year, the stay and play event attracted upward of 150 people.

Raffle tickets are available through Eventbrite.

The event will begin at 10am and run until 12pm at the Boorai Centre in Ocean Grove.

Children’s Week is a national celebration which recognises the talents, skills, achievements and rights of children.

Children’s Week runs from Saturday 21 October to Sunday 29 October 2023.