Foundation aims to draw Perth support

Perth is set to experience the ultimate taste of Broome this year when a renowned local charity that comforts sick children looks to expand south.

For the past 21 years, the Kyle Andrews Foundation has flown children with life-threatening illnesses to the Kimberley town for an unforgettable getaway packed with fun activities.

The initiative was launched in 1998 when 11-year-old Broome boy Kyle Andrews was undergoing treatment in Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital and said he dreamt of bringing his friends to Cable Beach to make them feel better.

The organisation has blown up over the two decades and become synonymous with the town, with the community putting in countless numbers of hours and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.

And now the charity is going to show Perth what it’s all about.

In November, KAF will host the Broome by the Bay event in Crawley, a few minutes from the city, to expand its supporter base and give former participants, helpers and friends the chance to reunite.

The event will encapsulate all things Broome, including camel rides and live performances by local artists The Pigram Brothers, Guy Ghouse and plenty more.

KAF chairman Matt Sear said it was the perfect way to raise awareness of the charity down south, while giving everybody the chance to see each other again.

“I think it would be great to expand our supporter base down in Perth and this event is really just the start of this new focus,” he said. “At the same time, it is a bit of a reunion for kids from previous camps, the ‘survivors’ if you like, as well as nurses, volunteers, friends, social workers and everybody else who live down in the city.

“We already have the sub-committee established in Perth and our goal has been to keep this organisation going by gaining traction down there also.

“The people of Broome are incredible in the way that they donate their money and time and I firmly believe this new support will go a long way.”

The event will take place at Mounts Bay Sailing Club on November 25 from 4pm. The Perth variation of Kyle’s Walk that was originally planned for this year was called off due to logistical difficulties, but Mr Sear said he hoped to get it launched by next year.