Making life more livable
For six years, Nikau Foundation have been supporting Camp Purple Live – a place for children to have fun, learn and meet others coping with Crohn’s and Colitis.
Learning to live with Crohn’s and Colitis is tough for anyone, but it’s particularly challenging when you are a child or young person. It means missed school days, hospitalisations, and, often, social isolation. Every year, Crohn’s and Colitis run Camp Purple Live at El Rancho located on the Kāpiti Coast. This week-long camp provides young people with living with the disease to meet others who face similar challenges.
A sense of belonging
Led by a crew of adult role models and peers, the children and young people enjoy a diverse and exciting programme of activities that are educational, build resiliance and teach coping skills. More importantly, the camp gives children the chance to have fun, socialise and form life-long friendships. This year, activities included go carts, tubing, kayaking, raft building, wilderness survival, a trip to Wellington’s Zoo, and last, but certainly not least, our Carnival day at El Rancho.
“It is difficult to convey the impact this camp has on these children and what it means to them to meet others who understand their illness, make new friends, and to have six days of being able to be just children. None of this would be possible without Nikau Foundation’s kindness, support and generosity.”
And it’s not just the children who find a renewed hope. The parents coping with how to support a child struggling with illness also benefit.
“I just want to say a huge thank you and send you all a huge hug with tears rolling down my eyes. Last year was really hard for Erin. And thank you for being part of her light at the end of her dark tunnel. I cannot thank you enough you absolutely gorgeous people. Thank you sooo much for being such amazing role models for my daughter.” said a camper’s mum.
Changing lives
This year, their numbers grew to 71 children and teens, supported by over 35 volunteers, including four doctors and six nurses, all of whom kindly gave up their holiday leave to work at the camp. They also had 36 parents attend our concurrent two day education and networking seminar. Enabling them to connect with other parents and having the rich experience of watching their children be kids for the day.
“Camp Purple gives me hope for my son and his future! The whole year through we look forward to camp and I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of all the fantastic people who made it possible. From my grateful heart - Thank You - you are the inspiration for my son all year through giving him courage.”
We are grateful to the Willows fund which helped make this grant possible.