Country Hope 15th Birthday Celebrations!!

Founding chairman Alan Lean with his wife Kaye Lean, current chairman Kerry Flinn, designer Carol Hill and fundraising chairman Rod Dunlop celebrate 15 years of Country Hope. Pic: Les Smith.

On Friday the 11th May Country Hope celebrated it 15th years of providing support relief and a little hope to regional children diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening illnesses and their families.  Country Hope was formed in 2003 with the intention of supporting our own local regional children and keeping fundraising in our own local area.  Country Hope began with running annual camps for both diagnosed children and their siblings, today known as the ‘Time Out for Life’ Children’s Holiday Camp, Country Hope still provides this week of time out, fun and happiness, allowing both children and their parents to take a break from their day to day reality.  It is so important to our families to have a moment to take a breath and for the children to experience a little time just being kids.

Country Hope continues to assist families in so many ways.  Known for our willingness and ability to provide support relief and comfort to families when and how it is needed the most, Country Hope takes pride in the fact that our success as an organisation is attributed to the generosity and continued support of people and businesses within our local communities. The help we receive provides Country Hope with the essential financial and in-kind support that allows us to do the wonderful and often very challenging work that we do.

Over the years we have watched Country Hope grow into an organisation to be very proud of and there are many people to thank for that.  A special mention goes out to Ellie Webb for all her wonderful work within Country Hope.  Ellie is a true embodiment of the values of Country Hope and is well loved for the both Family Liaison work she does with our families as well as her role as General Manager of Country Hope.  

Of the people who attended our celebration where Daphne and Bruce Ballard who have volunteered with Country Hope since it was formed 15 years ago.  Thank you to you both for all you have done for Country Hope over the years.  You have been an integral part of the fabric of Country Hope and all that it is today. We would also like to thank Mayor Dallas Tout for attending and for your recognition of the value that we bring to our community. 

Last but not least a very special thank you to all of those who took the time to attend and support Country Hope.  It was wonderful to see the very dedicated past and present members of the Board who continue to be the back bone of Country Hope, our wonderful Volunteers, all the Country Hope Staff and of course the families that attended. 

We look forward to many years ahead of providing the very needed and valuable contributions we make to the lives of the children and families we support.

General Manager Ellie Webb and President of the Rotary Club of Albury. Pic Les Smith

Daphne and Bruce Ballard have volunteered with Country Hope since it was formed 15 years ago. Pic: Les Smith.

Acting mayor Dallas Tout details the impact Country Hope had in his own life. Pic: Les Smith.

Daphne and Bruce Ballard cutting the cake. Pic: Les Smith.

Country Hope Chairman Kerry Flinn

Ellie Webb,  Daphne and Bruce Ballard with Tom Looney