Kids Fund is an Illawarra-based charity managed by The Disability Trust that purchases essential aids and equipment for children with special needs and significant disabilities. Example equipment includes: walkers, orthotics, communicators, hoists, wheelchairs, and seating systems. For the child and family, these items can help achieve greater levels of inclusion and independence.

By Kids Fund purchasing the aids and equipment for the child, a significant financial burden is removed from the family. Kids fund assists families when all other funding options have been exhausted.

Kids fund receives no government funding and relies on the community for all donations. Each year, Kids Fund allocates approximately $100,000 on aids and equipment for children in the Wollongong, Kiama and Shellharbour local council areas. Now 12 years old, the fund has raised close to $1 million and has assisted over 400 local families.

The Disability Trust convenes an inter-organisation allocation committee every 6 months to review and approve applications received. All items have been identified by a suitable qualified health professional such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who understands the child's needs.

For more information on Kids Fund, including application forms, please visit the Kids Fund website and "Like" us on Facebook.

The 12th annual Wests Illawarra Bandage Bear Benefit Night was held on August 6th 2011 and it just keeps getting better and better.

The Disability Trust plays an integral role in the lead up and on the night - managing finances, volunteers, silent auction details, raffle process, guest names, table set-up, etc. The Disability Trust’s Kids Fund is one of three charities associated to the night, as well as The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Southern Children's Care (UOW).

The 2011 highlights included:

• Mecenzi Howard (Kids Fund recipient) and her proud Mum appearing on the stage
• Dr Luciano Dalla Pozza (Westmead) thanking the Illawarra for continued support
• West’s Illawarra presenting a cheque for $50,000 to Bandage Bear
• An amazing community bought $75,000 in raffle tickets in 20 minutes
• Thomas Costello and family – a 17 year old from Bulli suffering from Cystic Fibrosis was presented with a car, on behalf of West’s, K&R, KJ Fabrications, Allfab, Wollongong Cranes and Illawarra Toyota
• The announcement by Professor Don Iverson to secure a world class doctor for this region
• Ian Moss and Leo Sayer – they made everyone smile and gave us some great memories.

For more informtion on Bandage Bear Benefit Night, check out the website and "Like" us on Facebook.