Rotary and the community come together to help after a tragic accident that changed a family forever.
In March 2025, just days before his 3rd birthday, Cade was injured in a tragic lawnmower accident on the family property which resulted in the amputation of his left foot.For the remainder of 2025 Cade was in and out of hospital, requiring 16 surgeries and other medical interventions.
Cade’s Mum had to significantly reduce her working hours to care
for Cade. This meant that in addition to the terrible trauma of the injury and frequent operations and trips to hospital, the family income was severely impacted while medical costs increased.
The family couldn’t bear to have the mower involved in the accident on the property so gave it away, and their reduced income meant they could not afford to replace the mower which was needed to maintain the property.
The Rotary Club of Greater Springfield stepped in to support,
- Initially sourcing a drive on mower which was generously
donated by Kenmore Mower & Power Equipment and PowerUp Lawncare Products, and - then successfully applying for a Rotary Australia Compassionate Grant (RACG) Project, which enabled any funds raised up to a value of $15,000 to be matched dollar for dollar by the grant.
Greater Springfield Rotary received great support from other Rotary clubs and from the community, and over a 3-month period easily passed the target for fund raising.
The Outcome
The Outcome
On Thursday 30 April the club will present Cade’s family with a $35,000
on behalf of all the generous donors from within Rotary and the Community as a whole, and also the Rotary Australia World Community Service who assisted with the Rotary Compassionate Grant.
on behalf of all the generous donors from within Rotary and the Community as a whole, and also the Rotary Australia World Community Service who assisted with the Rotary Compassionate Grant.
What Impact will these funds have?
Our compassionate grant project’s aim was to raise funds to support a family in need in the Ipswich community who had suffered, and continue to suffer, significant trauma, financial loss and unplanned additional expenses after a tragic accident.
In addition to the many hospital trips and operations, the family has suffered, and continues to suffer, psychological and financial stress. The reduced family income, as a direct consequence of the accident, means the family is unable to meet their usual needs, and the out-of-pocket expenses associated with Cade's medical treatment are significant and ongoing. The parents are yet to address their own psychological trauma as Cade's needs have understandably been prioritised, but this important need will also incur further expenses.The funds will be of significant help to the family to meet the ongoing expenses for Cade’s, and the family’s recovery, and lessen the financial burden they have been experiencing.
Greater Springfield Rotary will report on Cade’s progress along the way.
Greater Springfield Rotary will report on Cade’s progress along the way.
Rotary Clubs that kindly supported this compassionate grant Project are listed below.
Rotary Club of Greater Springfield
Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland
Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland
Rotary Club of Noosa Daybreak
Rotary Club of Caboolture
Rotary Club Caloundra Pacific
Rotary Club of Logan
Rotary Club of Mitchelton
Rotary Club of The Granite Belt
Rotary Club of Broadwater Southport
Rotary Club of Banora Tweed
Rotary Club of Mt Warning AM Murwillumba
Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin
End.