A flurry of calls were made from behind prison bars on Friday 24 July. The Association for the Sensory Disabled (ASD) once again held their unique and fun annual Jailbreak Fundraising Project in support of the Sean Kelly Child & Youth Care Centre.
Members of Worcester’s business community – including business owners, bank managers and a newly appointed primary school principal – were unexpectedly “taken into custody” and transported to the Worcester Lions Club Hall. Once “arrested”, participants had to use their networking skills to secure their “bail” by raising sponsorships and donations from friends, family and colleagues.
The Jailbreak Project has become one of ASD’s most recognised fundraising events, combining fun and friendly competition with a meaningful cause. Funds raised will help support the Sean Kelly Child and Youth Care Centre in Tulbagh Street. This registered children’s home currently provides 24-hour residential care for 17 children with severe disabilities from across the Western Cape.
“The success of the event would not have been possible without the longstanding support of Bart and Janeke Saayman, who once again generously provided security personnel and vehicles that form the backbone of the operation. Their commitment over many years has helped make the Jailbreak Project a memorable and successful annual tradition,” said Nicolette Labuschagne, manager of ASD.
The fundraiser was first introduced in 2003 by Theresa Robberts, then fundraiser for ASD. The overwhelming support from the Worcester community enabled ASD to establish the Sean Kelly Special Care Centre, which officially opened its doors in April 2004.
Determination
ASD itself was founded in 2002 by Kenneth and Colette Kelly, inspired by the life of their son, Sean. Born prematurely at just seven months, Sean contracted meningitis shortly after birth, leaving him DeafBlind and living with cerebral palsy. After relocating from Gauteng to Worcester in search of suitable educational opportunities, the Kelly family discovered that no existing services could adequately meet Sean’s complex needs.
Determined to create opportunities not only for Sean but also for other children with severe disabilities, they established the Association for the Sensory Disabled. The organisation began providing specialised daycare services where children could receive therapy, participate in appropriate developmental programmes and reach their full potential.
Tragically, Sean passed away just three weeks after the Special Care Centre opened. His legacy, however, continues to live on through the work of ASD.
Entertaining
Today, the organisation operates both the Sean Kelly Special Care Centre, which provides specialised daycare services, and the Sean Kelly Child & Youth Care Centre, which offers residential care to children who require a safe, nurturing home and intensive support.
This year’s Jailbreak once again proved that fundraising can be both entertaining and impactful. Many participants had no idea they had been selected until the “arrest” took place, resulting in plenty of surprised smiles, laughter and good-natured banter throughout the day.
ASD expressed its sincere appreciation to every participant, sponsor, volunteer and donor who contributed to the success of the event.
“Every rand raised helps us continue providing specialised care, therapy and a loving home to children with severe disabilities,” said Labuschagne. “The generosity of the Worcester community continues to ensure that Sean’s legacy lives on through the lives of the children we serve.”
