General News
22 May, 2026
Mixing fun and charity
ONE Camperdown man was moving to the beat last week raise funds for a worthy cause.
John Strickland took part in the Dance for Sick Kids, a seven-day challenge held on National Families Week (May 11-17) to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House.
Ronald McDonald House is an organisation enabling families to stay together when a child needs healthcare away from home.
Mr Strickland said he initially found out about Dance for Sick Kids through a post on Facebook.
“I thought I should do it because I used to go and do singing and dancing in kindergarten and day-care centres for the kids,” he said.
“I thought it was something I can do to give back to the kids who are in hospital – maybe they could watch the videos and get some entertainment as well.
“The kids used to like it when I did the silly dances, and a lot of children have come to me for help with all sorts of things.
“It’s a good way for me to raise some money for those families – I’ve got family who have used Ronald McDonald House as well.
“I thought it was something I can do, and something easy I can do to raise some money.”
He was among 4951 dancers who participated, with many dancers moving to well-known songs and with recognisable steps such as the Nutbush.
Mr Strickland, however, took a different approach.
His five and a half hours of dancing included a variety of children’s songs – many of which were favourites of his clients including If you’re happy and you know it, The wombat wobble and more.
Through his efforts, Mr Strickland raised $587 for the cause – something he said was surprising.
“I didn’t raise a fortune myself, but I’ve raised close to $600 which is three night’s accommodation, some meals and help with some classes for the kids,” he said.
“I felt like I’ve achieved what I wanted to achieve – when I signed up, I thought I’d only raise enough to sponsor one night.
“To have sponsored three – I’m proud of that. Overall, people raised $985,746.
“There were some really good dancers on there – I just did silly kid’s dances, which I do for a living.”
Mr Strickland said he enjoyed participating in the challenge, which was made easier thanks to the support of the team behind Dance for Sick Kids.
“The people from Dance for Sick Kids gave us things to post online, which was good,” he said.
“It made it really easy – they were really good providing all the resources we needed.
“They even had dance tutorials to teach you to dance – the Ronald McDonald House and Dance for Sick Kids people were really good.
“I feel really good for doing it because I got really positive feedback from the families of clients.
“It’s been a really nice, feel-good moment for me.”
Read More: Camperdown