Tara Murray
While its annual charity cricket match has had to be postponed the A+ Abbey Solo Foundation is still finding ways to support families in need.
The charity helps families pay for accommodation costs so they can be close to the hospital where their children are receiving treatment, as well as emotional support.
The foundation was set up to file the dying wish of Abbey Solo who died of cancer in 2015 at just nine.
Her wish was to support families who live in country Victoria or interstate who have children receiving cancer treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The foundation’s Claire Broadfoot said they had made the hard decision to postpone the cricket match between police and the Sunshine Heights Cricket Club.
“We had a meeting and decided to postpone the match,” she said. “We thought it didn’t sit right with the children we’re trying to support are oncology kids.
“A number of factors influenced this decision but a main one was that we feel a responsibility to protect the medically vulnerable, particularly our kids fighting cancer.
“We’ll look to pivot and hopefully be able to have the match down the line.”
The foundation is also looking to hold some trivia nights and family events when it’s possible.
Ms Broadfoot said it had been hard during the pandemic to raise money for the charity.
She said they hadn’t looked to have any online events.
“People can donate through Facebook and website,” she said.
“We did a grieve walk in October. Abbey’s mum, dad, sister and brother have walked 100 kilometres the last few years.
“Because we couldn’t do things together, everyone walked in their own neighbourhood and we raised more than $5000.”
Ms Broadfoot said it had been good to continue to support people throughout the pandemic.
“The oncology families don’t stop because of Covid,” she said.
“We’ve been privileged to help these families. Some families are paying $20,000 in parking.
“We’ve looked to continue to provide meals, groceries and rental bonds as well.”
