One Benalla-based doctor is training night and day to get ready for a 10km obstacle course, raising money for disadvantaged children to attend Southern Cross Kids’ Camp.
Dr Xavier O’Kane first got involved with Southern Cross Kids’ Camp through his wife, Joanna.
“She works with the Camerons (Holly and Chris), who are the directors of the SCKC in Mansfield,” Dr O’Kane said.
Dr O’Kane quickly became involved, working as a buddy mentor at the camps.
“These children are very vulnerable,” he said.
“So the camp provides a responsible adult for each of them.
While the buddy mentors are there to ensure the children’s safety, they are also there to make sure everyone has fun and a really good week away.
“A lot of people are probably not aware of how many kids are in foster care or kinship programs,” Dr O’Kane said.
“That is when they might be in the care of a grandparent or uncle, for example.
“That could be for neglect, alcoholism, abuse or any number of things.”
The SCKC offers them a chance to get away and just be a kid, while hopefully having the time of their lives.
“If it wasn’t for SCKC, they might never get a chance to let their hair down and have fun,” Dr O’Kane said.
After diving into the SCKC buddy mentor program head first, Dr O’Kane wanted to do more, which is when he found out about the 10K Spartan Obstacle Race fundraiser.
“It’s a lot like the Tough Mudder races, which people may be aware of,” he said.
“So you will do a short run, or long jog, in between obstacles you also need to tackle.
“That might be a cargo net you need to scramble under, or a wall to climb. There might be a sandbag you need to hoist up.”
Dr O’Kane has been busy training for the event.
“I’m doing different runs around Benalla,” he said.
“And some cardiovascular fitness in my home gym in the shed.”
Dr O’Kane is encouraging the community to get behind this cause and donate, and you can donate directly to the SCKC via sckc.org.au/donate/high-country-camp/
“And the Spartan race has its own fundraising platform too,” he said.
You can donate directly to Dr O’Kane's Spartan Race fundraiser via spartanausckc.gofundraise.com.au/page/Xavier-82957038/
Dr O’Kane is currently leading the fundraising efforts for individuals with $3919.85.
His target is $5000, and you can see how he’s going via au.fundraise.spartan.com/