Keeping families together

Central Coast Kids in Need
Heroic. Selfless. Inspiring

Retired nurse Lorraine Churchill has dedicated the past 16 years to providing financial help to families with premature newborns or children who need hospital care in Sydney or Newcastle.

She does this as the compassionate and dedicated Secretary of the volunteer-run Central Coast Kids in Need, which has covered nearly $4 million in accommodation and medicine costs for more than 3,000 families since 2005.

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.

Many of the families would have been financially ruined if they had to pay these costs on their own.

The charity also assists families whose children have autism, ADHD or physical disabilities.

Lorraine is 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.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Central Coast Kids in Need will use its funds to continue helping local families with travel, accommodation and other costs.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here