BRINGING JOY, CONNECTION & SUPPORT TO KEF FAMILIES

This past Sunday, the KEF Centre was transformed into a magical Willy Wonka-inspired wonderland for our annual family Purim party! Over 215 family members stepped into a world filled with giant candy decorations, golden tickets, and of course chocolate and sweet treats.

The KEF children and their siblings were immersed in non-stop fun, with something for everyone to enjoy, starting off with the thrill of receiving their own golden ticket with a change to win an abundance of chocolate.  The excitement reached new heights with a rock-climbing adventure and hands-on animal petting in the sunshine as well as several varied activities in the KEF centre including interactive arcades, a selfie mirror, face painting and lots of creative fun, with sweet tree making, gingerbread decorating, and a variety of sensory activities.  The afternoon ended with an energetic drumming show that was enjoyed by all.  We recognise that while family events bring joy to many, they can be overwhelming for some children with sensory processing challenges.  For that reason, KEF ensured that our bespoke soft play area, sensory room, and calm chill-out spaces were available for those who benefit from a quieter experience.

Over 90 dedicated volunteers were on hand, providing one-to-one care for the children, allowing parents to relax and enjoy quality time with each other.  KEF family events are so much more than just food and fun – they offer a vital space for families facing comparable challenges to connect, recharge and feel understood.  As one mother beautifully expressed, “It was literally soul healing for me personally, sharing with other mothers - thank you.”

KEF is a lifeline to families with a child who has a disability.  Our wide range of respite and support services ensure that even when dealing with daily challenges, families feel supported.  A mother’s recent testimonial perfectly captures our mission – “You are our family’s lifeline; you are the ones who enable us to cope despite all the many challenges. The love you each shower on us warms out hearts – we have so much gratitude”.

We are extremely grateful for the continued support of our community, as your generosity is essential in helping us provide our vital services.  As we look ahead, we are gearing up for our annual fundraiser, BIKE4KEF, scheduled for Sunday 29th June 2025.  BIKE4KEF is an annual opportunity for our community to unite in support of KEF. We look forward to welcome both returning riders and new participants as we work together to make a lasting impact for KEF families.

Wishing the community a joyful Purim