The event brought uplifting smiles, positivity, and laughter to children and their families, offering a much-needed reprieve from their cancer journeys.
The special day saw 140 people from 33 families hop aboard the historic train in Belgrave, thrilled to hang their legs over the side of the carriages as they chugged through lush forests.
The delightful experience continued with a group lunch at Lakeside, fostering joy, connection, and priceless new memories.
Camp Quality’s core mission is to brighten the lives of children facing cancer.
Their belief in the power of fun and laughter was on full display during the day, as families had the chance to focus on creating positive experiences rather than confronting the challenges of treatment.
Most importantly, the event offered children the chance to simply be kids while giving families the opportunity to bond, connect, and even form valuable support networks.
A parent who attended the event shared, “We love you, Camp Quality!! A million thank you’s will never be enough.
Our son had the opportunity to compare scars from treatment, and he did this in a safe and happy space. This is so important for acceptance, healing, and peace.
Another parent reflected, “We had an amazing time on Puffing Billy. It was great to have some dedicated time together as a family in a beautiful location.”
Pauline Smith, Head of the Harcourts Foundation, couldn’t have been prouder of the partnership, saying, “We’re honoured to support Camp Quality and their vital work.
“There’s nothing quite like seeing families enjoying precious time together, and knowing we’ve played a part in creating those special memories means the world to us.”
A Camp Quality spokesperson added, “Thank you so much to the Harcourts Foundation for helping Camp Quality give families facing cancer a much-needed break to reconnect and create positive memories together.”
This experience perfectly encapsulates Camp Quality’s commitment to supporting families from the moment of diagnosis through every step of their difficult journeys.
It’s not just about providing a day out; it’s about giving moments of happiness and connection that carry forward into brighter tomorrows.
“As the saying goes, ‘time is the most precious gift you can give someone’,” Ms Smith said.
“And that’s exactly what the Harcourts Foundation, in partnership with Camp Quality, had the honour of doing for these families.”
