Hear, listen and speak

(By Celine Morger - Bond University Journalism student)

Varsity fundraising has helped the Hear and Say Centre in Varsity Lakes change the lives of deaf and hearing impaired children.

The not-for-profit organisation is financed fully by donations.

They get 30 per cent of the money they need from the Australian Government and the rest from community members and sponsors.

Gold Coast Coordinator for the Company Teresa Daniel has worked there for many years. 

“Some of the parents make contributions if they can,” she said.

There are five centres in Queensland where they treat more than 320 children, 40 of them at the centre in Varsity Lakes. 

Kids come to the Hear and Say centre from as far south as Lismore up to Beenleigh.

“The aim is to integrate them into their local school,” Ms Daniel said.

It costs about $10,000 to provide services such as audiology training and education to each child.

The centre hosts charity events such as the Hear and Say Ball, sponsored by Varsity Lakes Travel, to get the money they need.

“It’s fantastic and last year they raised over $30,000 for us,” which means three kids are sponsored for one year, Ms Daniel said.

Anyone who wants to help the centre can get more information at www.hearandsaycentre.com.au.