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Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus
Southern Cross Association was formed to raise money for children’s charities. One of which is Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Qld, who receives very little Government funding. SBH (Qld) greatly appreciates the social and financial support they receive from the Southern Cross Association.
Spina Bifida, meaning split spine, is a congenital defect of the spine. It involves a failure of the vertebrae and spinal cord to develop properly and occurs within the first month of pregnancy.
Babies are usually born with a lump or sack on the back which may contain the spinal cord and its coverings. The amount of damage to the spinal cord and nervous system varies from person to person.
In 90% of cases, Spina Bifida is accompanied by hydrocephalus which is the result of a blockage in the flow of fluid in the brain. Specific nerve damage to areas of the brain may occur due to build up of pressure. Hydrocephalus is usually controlled by surgically implanting a thin flexible tube with a valve called a shunt. The shunt drains the excess fluid from the ventricles of the brain into the abdominal cavity where it is reabsorbed by the body.
Some people with Spina Bifida are mobile and some are in a wheelchair but all enjoy the freedom the experience on the back of a Southern Cross bike or trike.
The Association
The Southern Cross Association (FTC) Inc. was formed in March 1998 and consists of volunteers who raise funds for children’s charities.
The Southern Cross Association’s major fund raising event is a 5 day poker run through country Queensland in aid of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Qld.
Unlike some charity organisations, the Southern Cross Association only recoups administration costs from monies raised and the remainder goes directly to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Qld. As all those involved with Southern Cross do so in their own time, no wages are paid and the Association receives no Government funding.
Currently, the Southern Cross has members Australia wide and some International. Some members do not own or even ride a motorbike however are valuable members.
Membership is only $10.00 and renewed annually 1st February to 31st January. All new members receive:
· Badge
· Membership card
· Newsletter which includes advertising for members
The Poker Run
The main fundraising event for the year is a 5-day Poker Run which is held in the first week of September every year. The Poker Run covers nearly 3,000 Km's during the week and is believed to be the longest in Australia. The run coincides with Spina Bifida Awareness week with all the money raised going towards equipment like beach wheelchairs and support of the children and their families.
The first poker run was held in 1998 with approx 45 people and over the years we have donated to SBH (Qld). 1998 $500.00, 1999 $1,030.00, 2000 $1285.00, 2001 $2,216.00, 2002 $6,250.00, 2003 $21,417.00, and 2004 $35,000.00. These amounts do not included direct donations to SBH (Qld) collected along the way. 2003 we had 287 people playing the game, over 200 bikes and 305 people on the ride. 2004 we had 344 people playing the game, over 320 bikes and 360 people on the ride. Our riders come from all over Queensland and NSW with a rider this coming from Darwin and each year they bring more people along. The other important factor besides raising money is the awareness of Spina Bifida and the support available that we raised in the communities that we visit. Several families have had contact for the first time with SBH (Qld) due to the Poker Run visiting their community.
Each year the Poker Run travels through regional Queensland camping at showgrounds/sports grounds each night. Each night camping and meals are organised. When possible we like to use local groups like Lions, CWA so that they benefit from our visit and can raised money for their community. They donate a percentage of their profit as their contribution. We try to make sure meals are value for money with evening meals $10-$15 and breakfast no more that $6.00 per person. Distances are worked out to make sure petrol stops are at the maximum of very 200klm (there are petrol stations at shorter distances for those bikes that can make the 200 klm).
Each year the RACQ supports the Poker Run by suppling a breakdown vehicle and driver. The RACQ van is always the last to leave each morning and all riders are encouraged to be in front of the RACQ van because if they breakdown the RACQ van will not go back.
Poker Run Costs
Tickets are $80.00 if you pay before 1st August, or $90.00 if paid after the 1st or on the day. Ticket price includes all camping fees, Poker Hand, Badge, Short Sleeve T-shirt, and plenty of give aways. A minimum of $10.00 out of every ticket sold is donated to Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Queensland. Long Sleeve T-shirts and Polo (collar) T-shirts can be substituted for the short sleeve T-shirt if ordered by the 1st July at an extra charge of $10.00 ($90.00).
So book your holidays, pack your swag, prepare your wheels and be prepared to have some serious fun while supporting kids with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
Other Activities
Southern Cross members also attend any functions that the Spina Bifida Association runs such as camps, weekends away for teenagers, Christmas parties and fun days. The rides given to the children and their families during these events give obvious enjoyment for both the families and the Southern Cross members.
If you want to join or renew your membership
Click Here
for a printable version
For more information on Spina Bifida or how
to HELP visit the Spina Bifida web Site
www.spinabifida.org
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Page Change MichaelT April 2008
