Generous Ben chooses to give local charity his birthday presents!

Media opportunity:

What: Ben Henderson will celebrate his ninth birthday in an exceptional way – by asking for donations to the Spinal Injuries Association instead of presents!

When: Saturday (11 June)

Time: 11.15am for 11.30am. Ben will present the Spinal Injuries Association with the funds raised from his birthday drive. Association member Scott Stidston will receive the funds on behalf of the Association.

Where: The Strand Park

Douglas Year Four student Ben Henderson (pictured) doesn’t want an ipad or the latest Xbox game for his ninth birthday this month.

He wants to enhance the lives of local people with spinal cord injuries by forgoing birthday presents this year and asking family and friends to donate to the Spinal Injuries Association at Cranbrook.

The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James student said he decided to go without gifts this year after hearing his dad, Darryl Henderson, speak about his involvement with the Association’s North Queensland Supporters Committee.

“My dad knows a lot of the people that they (the Association) helps and he tells us about how expensive it is when you use a wheelchair,” Ben said.

“I want to raise money for people to help them with buying equipment like wheelchairs.”

In just a few weeks, Ben’s generous gesture has already raised an impressive $2,000 for the Association.

Darryl and wife Bridgette are justifiably proud of their son for being so selfless.

“He knows that one birthday won’t hurt, there’ll be plenty more, and the money that he does raise will make a real, everyday difference to people’s lives,” Darryl said.

Spinal Injuries Association and North Queensland Supporters Committee member Scott Stidston said he was gob smacked when Ben first mentioned his plan to the Committee.

“I couldn’t believe it. This is honestly the first time I have heard of a young kid doing something so generous and in such a happy manner,” Scott said.

“I’ve got to know the Hendersons quite well over the past few years and I’m delighted that they’re so supportive and giving of their time to our organisation.”

Scott sustained quadriplegia in a car accident 25 years ago and is now a valuable member of the Association’s Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT). Following Ben’s birthday, Scott will visit Ben’s class to give them an insight into what it’s like to have a spinal cord injury, how to prevent it from happening to them, and to thank him publicly for raising money for the organisation.

Spinal Injuries Association North Queensland Manager Cathy Lengyel said each year around 90 Queenslanders a year sustained spinal cord injuries and as well as being one of the most traumatic injuries a person could have, it was also extremely expensive.

“The money raised by Ben will be used to support North Queensland Association members, and deliver the SEAT program locally. What a gift he is giving to so many people, and what a great social conscience at such a young age,” Cathy said.

If you would like to support Ben’s birthday fundraising drive, please donate online at www.spinal.com.au, phone (07) 3391 2044 or email fundraising@spinal.com.au.

Since 1960, the Spinal Injuries Association has supported and empowered Queenslanders with spinal cord injuries to live as independently as possible.