Community helps Cooper fulfil school dream
THE first day of Prep is always an exciting time and it will be even more exciting for Cooper Campbell and his family as he starts primary school next year.
Five year old Cooper from Mirboo North lives with Cerebral Palsy which means he cannot walk, crawl and sit independently. However his condition has not in any way affected his cognition. Cooper is a keen reader and cannot wait to begin classes next year.
Going to school will not be as simple as buying a new uniform though, with Cooper’s mother and father Tina Larrad and Russell Campbell leading a fundraising campaign to help purchase the equipment Cooper needs to attend classes.
The bare necessities of a standing frame and a high to low chair required for class activities will set Cooper’s family back over $10,000.
Ms Larrad said Cooper’s integration aid Stacey Briscoe has been an invaluable help to the family, having organised the upcoming trivia night fundraiser.
“Stacey started organising the trivia night about four months ago. She worked to find a venue and donations. Once people started hearing about it they were happy to help out. We have already received masses of donations, so we will be holding a raffle and an auction on the night,” Ms Larrad said.
Two mothers from Cooper’s kindergarten have also offered their assistance. Caroline Cox and Arica Smith are hosting Nutrimetics parties with between 15 and 25 per cent of sales going towards equipment for Cooper’s schooling.
Cooper’s family plans to send him to Boolarra Primary School where Ms Larrad taught prior to going on family leave. The familiar, small school environment is sure to meet Cooper’s needs.
“Stacey will be helping out as an integration aid three days a week at the school which will provide fantastic continuity,” she said.
“The school has about 80 students. A lot of the older students know of Cooper because I taught them when I was pregnant with him. The school has already selected a couple of buddies to mentor Cooper and has made a real effort for the transition process.”
Sending Cooper to school will not only provide him the opportunity for education and independence, but will also offer his family respite and peace of mind that he is being granted equal opportunities to learn.
“It is exciting to see Cooper given the opportunity to socialise with other children outside of the home,” Ms Larrad said.
“We are really grateful for the support we have received. We just want Cooper to have a sense of independence and to feel like every other child. His success on school relies on the purchase of this equipment.”
Donations can be made at the trivia night, to be held at Mirboo North Bowls Club on Saturday, September 19, or online at https://www.mycause.com.au/page/109916/help-cooper-go-to-school.
Class for Cooper: from left, Callen Campbell, mother Tina Larrad and Cooper Campbell are grateful for all who have contributed to the fundraiser. Cooper looks forward to beginning school in term one of next year.
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Sep 29 2015. Filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
