“The Childhood Cancer Association provides ongoing and practical hands on support for children living with cancer, and their families.” 1 Introduction The Childhood Cancer Association (CCA) is proud to say that we have been providing ‘hands on help’ to children living with cancer and their families for 31 years. CCA’s unique approach of offering ongoing and tailored support for the entire family has helped more 114 families in 2013. CCA Team We are very lucky at the Childhood Cancer Association to have a dedicated group of supporters who help us raise the profile of our Association, and increase awareness around childhood cancer. CCA Patrons I would like to thank His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR, Governor of South Australia and Mrs Liz Scarce. As Patrons of the Association, the Governor and Mrs Scarce are extremely supportive of what we do and are of great assistance in raising our profile. CCA Ambassadors I would like to thank our Ambassadors for their great work. Many of them are involved in raising awareness of childhood cancer or they are very actively involved in supporting the children we care for and attending the Association’s key events.         Dr Michael Rice - AM, Paediatric Oncologist Women’s & Children’s Hospital Travis Boak - Port Power Captain - Port Adelaide Football Club Kate Collins - Reporter & Presenter Nine News Kane Richardson – West End Redbacks & Adelaide Strikers cricketer Michelle Den Dekker – Specialist Coach, Diamonds Netball Team Eugene Galekovic - Captain, Adelaide United FC Nigel Boogaard – Vice-Captain, Adelaide United FC Sam Power – Racing Driver 2 Board In 2013 there were a number of changes to the Board. Samantha Scott, David Murada and John Keeves retired, and Symoane Mercurio was appointed in June. Both Samantha and David were long term members of the Board serving 6 and 7 years respectively. John Keeves served as a Board member for 2 years. I would like to thank all of those Board members for generously donating their time, for their commitment, and their many contributions to the Childhood Cancer Association. The current membership of the Board is as follows: Mr Chris Hartley President Mr Vaughn Eaton Vice President Ms Leanne Thomas Treasurer Dr Andrew Dunbar Secretary Mr Anthony Pope Board Member Mr Phil Rutter Board Member Mr Kent Davis Board Member Ms Cath O’Loughlin Board Member Ms Symoane Mecurio Board Member Staff There has been a significant amount of change within the CCA team over the last 12 months, and I am pleased to say this has all been positive. In February 2013 we welcomed Kerry Johnson to the Family Service team and, shortly afterwards in March, Kerry was joined by our new counsellors Chris Coelle and Jennifer Kemp. Sadly, we said good bye to Denise Ellis who left in March 2013 to pursue professional development opportunities overseas. Denise, along with Anna Boynton, was instrumental in developing the current model of highly professional services we provide for children with cancer and their families. As a result, Anna Boynton took over the role as Manager, Family Services and is continuing to maintain and improve the outstanding level of services we provide 3 The current CCA team is as follows: Chief Executive Officer Cath O’Loughlin Family Service Anna Boynton – Manager – Family Service Chris Coelle – Senior Counsellor (Clinical Psychologist) – Family Service Jennifer Kemp - Counsellor (Psychologist) - Family Service Kerry Johnson – Administration & Accommodation Coordinator – Family Service Marketing & Fundraising Kylie Vaughton – Marketing and Communications Manager Anais Medwell Events and Community Engagement Manager Administration Lisa Maguire – Receptionist Avril West – Administrator Services and Support to families In 2013, we continued to focus on improving and providing a greater amount of support to children with cancer and their families from South Australia, Northern Territory and bordering towns of New South Wales and Victoria. There were 53 children diagnosed with cancer and subsequently referred to the Childhood Cancer Association for support. Unfortunately, there were also 6 children who relapsed and 8 who lost their battle with cancer. Many more families accessed support from CCA, and there was a significant increase in the use of therapeutic support services, in particular the counselling services offered by our highly skilled counsellors in the Family Service Team. As part of our commitment to deliver the highest standard of services, CCA finalised our “Child Safe Environments” policy in accordance with the Children’s Protection Act 1993. The Act requires all organisations providing health, education, welfare, sporting or recreational, religious or spiritual, child care, or residential services wholly or partly for children to develop policies and procedures to create and maintain a safe environment for children and young people. CACET Global continued to provide outstanding support providing Families SA approved Mandatory Notification Training to new staff members. 4 Family Services’ (FS) Support Programs The highlights for the year included: Hospital Visitation Program Family Service Counsellors attended 783 hospital visits in 2013. These visits enable Counsellors to identify the needs of families and implement early intervention strategies in consultation with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) staff. This may include direct support from our FS Counsellors or a referral on to another medical or allied health professional or service provider. We have also been fortunate to have Travis Boak, Port Power Captain, undertaking regular hospital visits to the Michael Rice Centre for Haematology and Oncology throughout the football season. CCA’s support of the Michael Rice Centre for Haematology and Oncology at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital continued in 2013. Our supply of snack boxes, tea, coffee and newspapers is welcomed and well used by parents. Super Important Brothers & Sisters (SIBS) The Family Services team continued to make further developments and improvements to the SIBS program, a psychosocial support group for children aged 5-12 years who have a brother/sister with cancer. The attendance rate remained similar to that in 2012, providing support to 29 children. We continue to receive a positive response from families whose child/ren attends the group including the following: “…they really enjoyed it and I think got a huge amount out of meeting other kids in the same boat.” We were very fortunate to receive the support of the Grange Surf Life Saving Club for the last SIBS program of the year. The Surf Life Saving Club were very generously able to arrange approximately 18 volunteers to run a water safety and water play program for the children, donate the hire of their facilities and equipment and also cater for the day, at a discounted rate. Bereaved Grandparents Group The program is designed for grandparents who have experienced the death of a grandchild from cancer. The grandparents meet together bi-monthly with other grandparents who share the grief of losing their own grandchild through cancer and to explore feelings around their loss. In 2013, several new grandparents joined this well attended group. The Bereaved Grandparents Group remains very relevant for those grandparents who lose a grandchild from cancer as they quite often have little access to other support systems. 5 Bradley’s Place, Victor Harbor In 2013, the occupancy remained stable, with 42 families having the opportunity to stay in our respite accommodation. Many families state that Bradley’s Place provides them with a peaceful place away from some of the stresses and demands that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis. We continue to receive the very generous support from the following volunteers and donors from the Victor Harbor community:  Andy & Cheryl Keane from Urimbirra Wildlife Experience  Megs Whibley from Greenhills Adventure Park  Neil Hosking from Victorfish  Victor Harbor Farmers Market  Hotel Crown  Marg Dent and the Zonta Club of Fleurieu Peninsula Inc.  Michael Koch Michael Rice Units, Prospect In 2013, there was approximately a 37% increase in occupancy at the Michael Rice Units, with the units being occupied for much of the year. “ …….we have appreciated the amazing little Michael Rice Unit so much. Knowing we didn’t have the extra stress of needing to find accommodation was such a blessing. It has been our home for several months and having everything there has been wonderful.” Home Tutor Scheme In 2013, the Home Tutor Scheme assisted 22 children to maintain their education throughout their treatment. One example was assisting an adolescent maintain their schooling to ensure that they were able to successfully complete their Year 12 studies. Garrick Scholarship Fund Established in 2001, this program provides financial assistance to support young people, aged under 25 years, who have previously been diagnosed with cancer in their child or adolescent years. The scholarship hopes to assist young people to further develop their life knowledge, skills, attitudes and options for the future after completing their high school studies. In 2013, we received the highest number of applications for the Scholarship and we were able to successfully support 8 young people to enable them to access personal or professional development courses. Volunteers 6 The volunteer team in Family Services continued to expand, receiving applications from highly skilled professionals within the community and University students. This enabled CCA to provide an increased amount of support to families, including child minding services, and provide more individualised support for the children attending the Super Important Brothers and Sisters Program. We were also very fortunate to receive the assistance from a Masters Psychology (Clinical) student for several months to support us with the development of counselling resources, materials and helping Elliot respond to the many letters he received throughout the year. Mr Tony Lauterio continues to provide wonderful support assisting with the maintenance of the Michael Rice Units, helping with the facilitation of the Bereaved Grandparents Group, and other special projects, including the development of an MRI model for the WCH following the successful development of a radiotherapy model. The MRI model will be presented to the WCH in February 2014. We sincerely thank Tony for all his ongoing support and assistance. CCA Christmas Fair Once again the CCA annual Christmas Fair for families was a highlight of the year. The amazing generosity displayed by the Edge Church made for a truly wonderful experience for approximately 400 children and parents. Families were able to enjoy car rides, laser skirmish, jumping castles, petting zoo, cupcake decorating, cake pop making, arts and craft, face painting, henna tattoos, meeting the many characters, special appearances from Spiderman climbing down the building, a magical Disney show and of course wonderful food and entertainment. Families were overwhelmed by the day! “As always the event was wonderful and we felt privileged to be a part of it” “It was absolutely incredible - yet again - every member of the family had a ball. A very special day. Thank you.” Special Events We were also very fortunate through the generosity of our many supporters, to receive complimentary tickets for families to attend events, concerts and sporting matches in Adelaide. 7 I would like to particularly thank the following businesses for providing welcome distractions to the children and their families: - Port Adelaide Football Club – Port Power home games Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation - Circus Quirkus SGS Gearhart United - Clipsal 500 Corporate box and catering Ladies of Variety – Aquatic Centre + Movie Tickets Adelaide Entertainment Centre – the Wiggles and Andre Rieu concerts Australian Ballet Company – Australian Ballet visit to CCA Office The Rotary Club of Adelaide – Movie tickets + World Festival of Magic Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation – Cavalia Tickets, Tall Ship visit Gilbert Racing – Monster Truck Special Day Rebel Legion – Star Wars Visit Elliot Children with cancer and their siblings can write letters to Elliot either via mail, email or post them in the letter boxes located at the Childhood Cancer Association office or in the play room of the Michael Rice Centre for Haematology & Oncology at the Women's & Children's Hospital. Children may draw a picture, share their concerns with Elliot, or ask questions, which they may not feel comfortable asking anyone else. CCA’s trained Counsellors respond to each letter as ‘Elliot.’ This can enable the Counsellors to further assist the children to develop new or alternative coping strategies. In 2013, Elliot received 190 letters, a 46% increase over 2012. Elliot’s popularity has increased amongst families and we continue to use him as a therapeutic tool for children with cancer and their siblings. Additionally, his profile amongst families and the general public is growing as he features on social media (Facebook & Twitter) and makes more public appearances. Elliot also sent 440 special Elliot Birthday cards to the children we support. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the very generous support of the Amber Reinders Childhood Cancer Trust. In 2013 we received a $20,000 grant from the Trust to support our Elliot Program. The Family Services team continue to work closely and collaboratively with many of the medical teams at the WCH - Social Workers and other Allied Health Workers, Medical Consultants, Nurses and Palliative Care - to ensure the best possible care is delivered to families, throughout their child’s cancer treatment and beyond. 8 This model of collaboration is fundamental, as the cancer journey can continue for a number of years, and it ensures families receive the highest degree of support available to them. This year we were able to host a training day for our FS Counsellors, the WCH Palliative Care and Youth Cancer Service Teams, one of the WCH Chaplains, a community Psychologist and a member of another not for profit organisation. The topic for the day was grief and loss and was facilitated by Mrs Dianne McKissock, a leader in the field and the co-founder of the Bereavement Care Centre and the National Centre for Childhood Grief in New South Wales. Marketing & Communications Our ability to communicate effectively and broadly, to spread the word about the work we do and the ongoing fundraising required, is crucial to our success. This requires a team approach and I would like to particularly thank the following businesses for their continued professional input and support    Brighter (www.brighter.com.au) (ex BMD) for their continued support helping us to create materials that enhance our corporate identity and ensure consistency and professionalism in our communications. Kubik Design (www.kubikdesign.com.au) for ensuring our website continues to remain “fresh”, technically up to date and in line with our brand identity. Visionation (www.visionation.com.au) for again developing an impactful, story-telling DVD. “Alex’s Story” highlights how the family is involved with the various stages of their sibling’s illness and the difference CCA’s services make. It was produced to accompany our tax appeal letter to encourage supporters to continue assisting CCA to provide support and services to families. Throughout the year, we keep our donors and corporate supporters up-to-date through the following ways:     Newsletters Regular updates on our website www.childhoodcancer.asn.au Active presence on our Social Media profiles: Facebook & Twitter Personalised thank you letters and certificates to acknowledge the work of our generous supporters in the community. In October 2013, we organised a “Thank You” event for all our volunteers and supporters. The cocktail-style function, held downstairs in our office building, was to acknowledge the invaluable contribution made by each of our volunteers and supporters throughout the year. It was also an opportunity to introduce Michelle Den Dekker as our newest Ambassador and hear her personal story and son’s journey through cancer. The evening was well attended and provided a good networking opportunity for our supporters. The enjoyable night was capped off with a chocolate fondue……………fruit never tasted so delicious! 9 Fundraising The Childhood Cancer Association has an extensive calendar of events which allow us to raise much needed funds, engage with our community, and raise awareness of childhood cancer. I would like to thank all our corporate partners and the community groups whose generosity has helped us raise vital funds so that we can continue to provide support to children and families in need. Fundraising in 2013 continued to be very challenging. However, thanks to our generous partners and the ongoing efforts of staff and volunteers, CCA raised $436,111 through community fundraising and special events. Some of the highlights of 2013 were: Events City to Bay In 2013, 546 people participated in this annual fun run with many being keen members of Team Elliot. City-Bay is one of the key events in CCA’s calendar and, at the end of their run, participants were treated to a VIP experience with a massage and gourmet breakfast. In total $26,300 was raised on the day. Adelaide Stair Climb Over the past 4 years, the Childhood Cancer Association has been very fortunate to be the only nominated charity in this annual event. Participants are invited to “Step Up for Childhood Cancer” and climb the 600 stairs of Adelaide’s tallest building. Unfortunately, this year Westpac withdrew their Naming Rights’ sponsorship and, as a result, the event was called the “Adelaide Stair Climb”. To make up for the financial loss due to the Westpac sponsorship cancellation, we developed the “Everest Challenge” to increase participation and fundraising, and generate more interest in the event. Each of the armed forces was invited - Air Force, Navy and Army, as well as Ambos, Police and Firies, to compete against each other in teams of 11 and take on the Everest Challenge. This involved each of the 10 team members climbing all the stairs of Westpac House twice, which, in total, is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest! The Everest challenge was held in the morning with the armed forces competing against each other first and then a second challenge with ambos vs police vs firies. The SA Fire Service (Firies) team was the winner of the inaugural “Everest Challenge”. Overall, there were 551 participants and $34,290 was raised. OnkaStompa Compa In 2013 our great supporter, Mark Mills, again arranged and managed the OnkaStompa Compa - an annual Fishing Competition down in Perry's Bend on the Onkaparinga River. It was the 9th Compa organised by Mark and, thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, $10,000 was raised on the day! A big thank you again to Mark for his ongoing support. 10 Sweethearts Anonymous Over the last 10 years, a dedicated group of long term supporters, Sweethearts Anonymous, raised funds and has enabled the Association to be well on its way to purchasing a house boat as respite/holiday accommodation for children diagnosed with cancer, and their families. The Dreamboat is available for hire and anyone who rents it will be supporting the Childhood Cancer Association. The hire fees will assist in raising the remaining funds required to cover all costs, including maintenance. This was greatly advanced through the $15,000 raised by Sweethearts Anonymous in 2013 for CCA. Tax Appeal The 2013 Tax Appeal was very successful and our campaign was significantly aided by the “Alex’s Story” DVD. The tax appeal letter contained a link to the CCA website which enabled all supporters to view “Alex’s Story” and hear first-hand how the CCA services and support make a such difference to families. We reached over 9,000 people in the community and, thanks to their generosity, we were able to raise $62,122. This was an outstanding result that made a great contribution to the funding of our family support services. I am very proud that our tax appeal allowed us to truly make a difference in the lives of children living with cancer and their families. Partnerships Edge Church International The Edge Church’s significant and extremely generous contribution to CCA was sustained in 2013 through the conducting of a gala event – “ Childhood Cancer Association Ball” – on April 13th. Whilst over 300 guests were treated to fine dining, world renowned musician, James Morrison, entertained them at the Edge Church’s Reynella Campus. Andrew Dunbar, and his wife, Catherine Yandel, kindly represented CCA on the night. With a great sense of occasion, the amount of funds raised began at $30,000 and was displayed on large screens. With a request for one more set from James Morrison, all attendees were asked to “dig deep” and the amount shown gradually ticked over until a final figure of $60,000 appeared! This amazing sum was subsequently presented to Cath O ’Loughlin, CEO of CCA. 11 The Australian Leisure and Hospitality group (ALH) In 2013, CCA was again extremely fortunate to be nominated as the Australian Leisure and Hospitality (ALH) charity partner for the year. Thanks to their outstanding support, more than 30 hotels across South Australia participated in fundraising activities and raised $146,000 to help children living with cancer. Our ALH partners exceeded their target by 46%! Kiwanis International The Kiwanis Club of SA, 6 clubs in total, very kindly raised $10,000 in 2013 and enabled CCA to purchase 10 wheelchairs, plus 6 pairs of leg extensions, and a portable ramp. These will be available for loan by CCA families whenever the need arises. Many thanks to all CCA’s supportive partners 12 GRANTS In 2013 we received $8,000 from the Australian Executors Trustee Discretionary Charitable Trust. This is the 5th consecutive year we have received a grant from AET. Their support for the Childhood Cancer Association has now reached $58,000. Their ongoing support is very much appreciated. Financial Overview Operating result In financial terms, 2013 was a very rewarding year for the Association. After a significant loss in 2012 the team worked extremely hard and the end result was a surplus of $ 29,129. Income Income generated in 2013 was $1,050,186. This compared with $780, 621 for 2012. The main factors driving the increase in income in 2013 were: Bequests The Association was fortunate to receive a bequest late in 2013 from the late Anne Tothill for $ 53,127.84. On behalf of all our members I would like to acknowledge this very generous donation and pass on our condolences to Anne’s family. Lottery Our sale of lottery tickets significantly improved resulting in a 20 % increase on 2012. Partnerships Our partnerships with ALH and Edge Church International has a very significant impact on our financial results . Through their combined efforts they raised an outstanding 15% of our total income in 2013. PATS The Patient Assistant Travel Scheme (PATS) is a State Government subsidy for families that have to travel more than 100 kilometres and stay in the city to access hospitals. This figure is dependent on the number of children that are diagnosed that live more than 100 kilometres from Adelaide. In 2013 this figure increased significantly by 85%. 13 Expenses Following the significant loss in 2012, the Board focussed on reducing our costs as part of our overall strategy to turn around the finances of the Association. This involved: Family Services In 2013 the number of counsellors was reduced from 3 to 2 .Every effort was made throughout the year to ensure this reduction in resources did not negatively impact on families. Further cost savings will be implemented in 2014 . CCA will no longer part-fund the Play Therapist at the WCH, and the CCA Study and Research grant will be deferred for another year. In addition CCA will reduce it administration costs by one part-time administration position. Fundraising Expenses Fundraising expenses did increase in comparison with 2012.However, it is important to note that the reason for the increase was the inclusion of the expenses associated with the operation of the houseboat. Administration Expenses Administration expenses were also reduced in comparison with 2012 by 10%. Governance Information Bank: Westpac ABN: 49 917 925 266 Auditors: Grant Thornton Membership: Fundraising Institute of Australia Insurance Broker: Australian Insurance Brokers 14 Where the money comes from 5% 5% 12% 3% General Donations Fundraising Lottery Investments 22% Grants Bequests Other 42% 12% CCA does not receive any government funding and therefore receives funds from various other sources. This includes donations or bequests from individuals and grants from corporate bodies and foundations. Funds are also raised from community fundraising and special events. Other income includes properties, merchandise, membership, and interests. Where the money goes 15% Family Services 48% Fundraising Expenses General & Management 37% Family Services expenditures represent the cost involved with providing the services to children and families we support. Fundraising expenditures represent the costs involved with raising funds and promoting the association. General and Management include costs related to governance finance and administration. 15 Looking Ahead Although we made a modest surplus this year, in 2014 the focus will continue to be on developing a sustainable model for fundraising for the Association. We will be looking to improve our fundraising efforts by increasing the support we receive from grant makers, and from working with our existing partners and developing new partnerships. Every effort will continue to be made to reduce our costs and maximise the dollars available to support children with cancer and their families. Thank You Our volunteers all have one purpose: to make a difference to the lives of children living with cancer, and their families. CCA is very fortunate to receive the support of a strong team of volunteers assisting us with great enthusiasm. Whether at events to collect donations, at the hospital to provide child-minding or in the office to help with admin support, they are always there with a great smile and a big heart. I would like to thank our volunteers for their time and dedication. We couldn’t do what we do, without their immense support. Finally, I would like to sincerely thank CCA staff and Board. I greatly value their passion, enthusiasm and professionalism. 16