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Hi Sunshine News Readers,
It’s my pleasure to hand this week’s column over to one of our loyal volunteers, Kamika, who has been spending some time at Sunshine HQ to help out and gain some experience by assisting in marketing, communications and events.
Kamika has also provided hands-on voluntary support at several of our events, as well as participating as well, so she is very much part of the team. This week she tells us about her time with us, and what she’s learnt about what we do to support children living with disabilities and terminal illness in our region.
Without further ado, let me hand over to Kamika…
Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Kamika Manzano, and I am a marketing, communications and events volunteer at The Chronicle Sunshine Fund. I have been volunteering with this charity for over a year now.
Having transitioned from a career in dentistry to marketing—yes, quite a change! —I knew I needed additional experience to thrive in my new field. What better way to gain this experience than by working with an organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for others? My previous experience in the medical field, where I treated many patients with additional needs, has shown me firsthand how essential the right equipment is for enhancing their quality of life.
After completing my first semester of an MSc in Marketing at Northumbria University, I was eager to build on the marketing skills I had acquired in my other jobs. My aunt, Corretta Kears, who is on the board of trustees, introduced me to the charity. After volunteering for just one day for the 5K Fun Run, I was hooked!
The team at The Chronicle Sunshine Fund was incredibly welcoming, with an optimistic and enthusiastic spirit essential for this line of work. Their personal experiences related to the charity's mission ensured they were fully committed to the cause, working diligently to achieve its goals. At the end of the 2023 5K Fun Run, we raised more than £14,000. This experience solidified my decision to continue volunteering in their marketing department and to help promote their various events as much as possible.
During my year of volunteering, I have participated in a range of events from fun runs to black-tie balls. I volunteered at their annual Santa Grotto Bus during the Christmas season and the Sunshine Fund Charity Ball. The Santa Grotto Bus allowed us to give back to the community and involve everyone with the charity, while the Ball enabled us to engage with our corporate supporters. In 2024, I not only helped organise the fun run but also participated as a runner. The overwhelming community support was evident from the large turnout and our ability to raise an impressive £17,670!
Additionally, I contributed to the Seeds of Hope newsletters by providing content, writing articles, and conducting the Makaton sign language section. This experience has not only enhanced my marketing skills but also provided deeper insight into the daily challenges faced by young individuals with additional needs.
We all aspire to live life to the fullest, and The Chronicle Sunshine Fund aims to help those with additional needs achieve this goal. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a volunteer and have learned so much from Sophie and the team. I look forward to another year of working with them and continuing to support their efforts in any way I can!
If you feel inspired by Kamika, and would like to be kept up-to-date with volunteering opportunities, you can subscribe to our mailing list at www.thesunshinefund.org/volunteer, or you can email hello@thesunshinefund.org for more info.
In the meantime, we still have spaces left on our thrill-seeking events and challenges to raise vital funds over the summer. Over the next few months, we’re encouraging supporters to try something new, take on a personal challenge, or face their fears in one of our activities, to raise money so we can continue to support children living with disabilities, additional needs and terminal illness in our region.
We have unfortunately had to cancel our Sunshine Zipline due to circumstances outside of our control, due to our event organisers making the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Tyne Zip. We have contacted all who were booked on, and we know how disappointed people will be, which is why we’re offering a limited time discount on our Skydive.
Take on the ultimate adrenaline challenge on Saturday, September 14 and jump in tandem from 10,000ft, enduring a 30-second freefall before landing safely. Our skydive is available for just £45 per entry until 23.59 on Monday, August 5 so don’t miss out! We ask that each skydiver raises £300 to support local disabled children. Visit www.thesunshinefund.org/skydivefor more info and to book.
For those who would prefer something a little closer to the ground, we have an evening of e-karting after work or school on Thursday, September 19, where racers can compete to be top of the leaderboard. Tickets cost just £35 and we don’t require any additional fundraising. Visit www.thesunshinefund.org/ekartingfor more info and to book.
For more information and to book on to any of our events, please visit www.thesunshinefund.org/get-involved. If you have any questions, or for corporate team bookings, please contact us at hello@thesunshinefund.org.
Thanks for reading!
Sophie & Kamika X
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