AN organisation providing at-risk youth with priceless memories is asking for the community's support at a fundraiser this weekend.
Mildura Southern Cross Kids Camps will host a lawn bowls event this Saturday at the Coomealla Club raising funds for its upcoming camp.
There are currently 18 Southern Cross Kids Camps which run across Australia, with the Mildura camp now in its second year.
The organisation takes youth who live in out-of-home care on five-day trips, pairing them with a mentor figure and running a number of fun activities such as horse riding, trips to the water park and birthday parties.
Mildura Southern Cross Kids Camp co-director Christopher Lawrence hailed last year's camp a success and said they would look to make to make it bigger and better this year.
"It was very successful last year," Mr Lawrence said.
"We had 40 volunteers and 16 kids who live in out-of-home care and they had the time of their lives.
"We want to run the camp yearly.
"Five full days each year can really make an impact in a child's life.
"As our team of volunteers grows it enables us to make the camp bigger.
"In our camp last year we had 16 kids and this year we have 18."
Co-director Bethany Grayling agreed.
"We provide them with fun experiences," Ms Grayling said.
"Often these kids have never been on camps or school camps so it could be their first experience of being away and it gives them a week of happy memories.
"The same kids are able to come back every year and have something to look forward to."
Mr Lawrence and Ms Grayling said the camps were costly and they were grateful for all the support they received.
"Running a camp costs in the ballpark of $25,000-28,000 so we are hoping to raise as much money as we can," Mr Lawrence said.
"We got a lot of support last year so we are hoping to do the same thing again this year.
"We run events throughout the year: we sold candles at the carols last year, we did a trivia night, we fundraised through sponsorships and donated goods, and most if it is from the community feeding into the camp, which is really special," Ms Grayling said.
The event will start at 2pm on Saturday with $20 entry for unlimited games of bowls and afternoon tea.
Donations can also be made via the Mildura Southern Cross Kids website.
