Over $16,000 raised on the weekend to support KidsXpress charity
The talented teams of over 1,000 local dancers from Sydney’s top dance schools, accompanied by their principals, attended the annual KidsXpress Dance Challenge at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Sunday.
Performing in front of more than 3,000 people who attended the event, they not only gave the audience a terrific show but with their combined efforts they helped support the KidsXpress charity, a world’s first early-intervention, unique expressive therapy program for young children, by raising $16,000. The funding raised over the weekend will help ensure that KidsXpress can continue to inspire children to thrive through the power of music, art, drama, play and, of course, dance.
Lachie Dearing, Hi-5 member, Australia’a Got Talent 2013 finalist and current KidsXpress ambassador, has also been an active part in KidsXpress’ journey since he performed at the grand opening in 2006 when he was just 8 years old and has participated at the Dance Challenge event every year since its inauguration, including this last Sunday.
"The purpose of the program was explained to all of us back then and hearing about what some kids endure opened my eyes to how fortunate my own life is. It made me realise that I wanted to be able to help others. To this day, the most fulfilling part of being in Hi-5 is having the ability to be able to give back in some small way. The program uses the things that I am most passionate about, dance, music and drama to help troubled kids. I for one know just how helpful expressing yourself through the arts can be.”
Talking about the event, Lachie continued saying “There is a sense of unity as we are all there to do what we love to do, dance, but more importantly raise money for an incredible cause. It’s an incredible feeling to know that an awesome day of fun for us can make a change to others lives."
Miss Galaxy 2017, Shikye Alyce Smith, is too one of the original performers who was invited to be a part of the opening of KidsXpress back in 2006 and she said ‘It's been amazing to see how it has grown over the past 10 years. I've been involved in the Dance Challenge from its first year as a competitor and now volunteer each year at the event. I'm a huge believer that the performing and creative arts are very powerful healing tools so I am beyond proud to support this incredible organisation. “
Now in its 9th year, the KidsXpress Dance Challenge brings together Sydney’s top dance schools with the children’s charity, KidsXpress, to showcase some of the state’s most talented young dancers while also raising funding to support KidsXpress innovative program. The day celebrates dance and highlights the incredible impact it can have on young lives, as KidsXpress uses dance and movement therapy, along with other expressive therapy modalities to support children living with the impacts of childhood trauma.
Over the years, more than $260,000 has been collectively raised for KidsXpress through this event which has helped KidsXpress grow and develop their program to reach more children in-need throughout Sydney.
Margo Ward, KidsXpress founder and CEO said “The KidsXpress Dance Challenge unites the dance community in a meaningful demonstration of compassion in action. It is a day of expression, a day of dance, beauty and fun, but most importantly, it’s a day of incredible impact for the vulnerable children which can now access our incredible expressive therapy program as a result.”
For more information, please visit https://kidsxpress.org.au/how-can-i-help/#schools-and-organisations
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About KidsXpress
Founded in 2005, KidsXpress first opened its doors in 2006 and it seeks to reduce the personal, social and financial burdens of the childhood experiences of trauma through an innovative and accredited expressive therapy interaction program for children aged 4-14 years. More than 2500 children have been through the program. KidsXpress’ core therapy program is run by highly skilled, expert therapists in small groups from its headquarters in Sydney’s Moore Park as well as through a Western Sydney Outreach program.