Helping kids in need

Retired nurse Lorraine Churchill has dedicated the past 16-and-a-half years to providing financial help to Central Coast families who have seriously ill children or children with disabilities. In addition to her role as Secretary of Central Coast Kids in Need, Lorraine is also the charity’s grant writer and was successful in obtaining grants to the value of $155,000 last year.

Central Coast Kids in Need was formed 28 years ago and is a not-for-profit organisation with 18 volunteer members. Over the past 16 years they have paid more than $4.02 million in accommodation and medicine costs for more than 3,256 families. Without the help of Lorraine and the small team, many distraught mothers and fathers would be separated from their children while they are in hospital.

The charity also assists with high-cost prescription medications, specialised infant formula and equipment that helps improve children’s quality of life, especially for families of children with autism, ADHD or physical disabilities.

Lorraine was honoured to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “It is heart-warming that I am so highly thought of in the community, and it motivates me to do this for as long as possible. I am blessed with two healthy children and two grandchildren, so it inspires me to help those who are not as fortunate,” she says.

On 12 October Lorraine was named one of three winners of the Local Hero award and received $10,000 for Central Coast Kids in Need.