SOUTHERN Cross Kids' Camp – High Country (SCKC) volunteer Xavier O’Kane will be competing in Spartan Australia’s Melbourne Race obstacle course on August 3 raising funds to help send children on the camp.
Through his fundraising page on the Spartan Australia website Xavier has already raised $4187, $1187 more than his initial $3000 goal.
Xavier is the most successful individual “top fundraiser” through the Spartan fundraising platform Australia wide.
“So far we have raised enough money to send eight children on camp for a week,” he said.
Xavier is from Benalla and joined the SCKC- High Country this year as a buddy mentor.
He recently volunteered at his first camp after being invited by camp director Holly Cameron.
Outside of the group, Xavier works as a health professional in the rural areas around the North East of Victoria.
“I am keen to do more to assist the mission and values of SCKC, especially by fundraising,” he said.
“I have completed various similar runs but this will be my first major obstacle course run.”
The SCKC – High Country charity relies on funds raised throughout the year with it costing up to $30,000 to run a camp.
“I am truly grateful to the wonderful family members, work colleagues and friends who have already donated,” Xavier said.
“Many children attending the SCKC camps live in foster care and often move from home to home.
“A significant number have endured difficult experiences and struggle with multiple issues.
“But these sorts of activities help them have a week of fun and realise there’s a positive world out there.”
In preparation for the race, Xavier has been undertaking a mix of endurance, running, strength training, upper body exercises and boot camp military style drills.
SCKC – High Country camp director, Holly Cameron said she is impressed with Xavier’s dedication and support.
“There are 42 SCKC volunteers taking part from across Mansfield, Benalla, Melbourne and Bendigo,” she said.
“Amongst those there are around 20 from Mansfield.
“It makes me very grateful that there’s people out there who give up their time to such a good cause.
“I have a vision to help the kids in this area and it’s nice that other people have joined in on that.”
