Fun run for a good cause

SYDNEY: Amid the frivolity lies a more earnest purpose for The Little Black Dress Run – to raise much-needed funds for Camp Goodtime, a project that provides support for children living with HIV. By Will Parry.

On February 25, the Sydney Frontrunners will host their 12th annual Little Black Dress Run in Centennial Park. Hosted by the ever-fabulous Joyce Maynge, the event is a regular part of the Mardi Gras calendar, with over 400 Sydneysiders frocking up in their finest black dresses – running, walking or simply tottering in their high heels round a 4km course.

But aside from the black dresses, each participant has one thing in common –  they’re all raising money for Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Camp Goodtime, an initiative that brings together over 60 kids living with HIV/AIDS, and their families, from all over Australia.

Camp Goodtime has been running since 1990, providing four worry-free days of fun – as well as invaluable social, emotional and educational support – for children living with HIV. For many of the parents, it’s the only opportunity they have to meet others dealing with similar issues around HIV. In addition to their main annual camp, held in March, Camp Goodtime also runs two separate events throughout the year for primary aged kids and for teens.

Camp Goodtime receives no state or federal funding, relying entirely on voluntary donations and sponsorship. So every runner who raises money for the Little Black Dress Run is important. As Angela Miller, the Senior Social Worker behind Camp Goodtime puts it: “Every cent raised makes a difference to the kids and their families. Without events such as the Little Black Dress Run, we would struggle to secure enough funds to facilitate our camps”.

At Camp, the kids are split into different age groups, with each assigned a specially-trained volunteer to oversee the plethora of activities on offer – ranging from the outdoor excitement of rock climbing, abseiling and waterslides, to preparing entertainment for the final night’s party.

Paul Kennedy has volunteered at Camp Goodtime since 2009. For him, it’s become a highlight of his year. “They’re great kids – I can’t think of any other time that I laugh as hard as I do while I’m at camp,” he says. “For a few days they don’t have to worry about their HIV status, which many normally conceal from friends, neighbours and their school, for fear of how people will react.”

Paul says it’s inspirational to see how the kids respond to the pressures of living with HIV. “It often works like a ‘big brother’ programme, because a lot of them come from homes where they have lost one or both of their parents, which can add hugely to the pressures they’re facing. About half of the kids are Africans who have been adopted by generous Australian families. They’re not just dealing with health issues. Some have really tough personal predicaments – they were child soldiers or were tortured. The camp helps with them come to terms with their past, and with social issues like how and when to reveal their status to friends. I come back from Camp so pleased that I’ve been able to help and give something back, and I learn so much from the kids.”

This year, the Little Black Dress Run aims to raise $25,000 – over a quarter of Camp Goodtime’s budget. “Camp Goodtime has been our principal project for LBD for about 5 years now,” says Sydney Frontrunners Secretary Wayne Morgan. “The club wanted to assist an organisation for youth receiving no support from government bodies – Camp Goodtime was the ideal choice!”

With every cent raised going directly to Camp Goodtime, Wayne hopes that this year will see the greatest fundraising haul yet for the Little Black Dress Run. “The smiles on the kids’ faces bring each of us behind the event loads of satisfaction. I encourage everyone to join us on February 25 for an excellent morning of healthy activity in Centennial Park. Frock up, accessorise and sweat a bit for Camp Goodtime!”

[Pictured] Joyce Maynge with participants at Little Black Dress Run 2011. Photo: Mark Dickson

The Little Black Dress Run is on Saturday, February 25 at Centennial Park. Starts 9am sharp. Register at www.littleblackdressrun.eventbrite.com.au. Donate to the Little Black Dress Run at www.givenow.com.au/sydneyfrontrunners.