A Deep Dive into Nick Martin's English Channel Fundraising Strategy
Here, we explore the fundraising strategy that saw a local identity raise over $150,000 and leave a lasting legacy for The Portsea Camp.
The Beginning of a Fundraising Journey
As Melbourne plunged into lockdown in March 2020, two strangers, less than 500 meters apart, grappled with the reality of survival in a pandemic. Newly appointed Camp CEO Sandra Martin—just five weeks into the job—sat alone in her camp office, contemplating the once-thriving social enterprise around her, now plunged into silence with its gates firmly shut. Closed for business for the first time since 1946.
Below her, in the crystal blue waters off Portsea’s front beach, a lone swimmer crawled up and down during the allowed one hour of outdoor activity, keeping physically and mentally fit. Little did either know that in the face of such adversity, one of The Portsea Camp’s most celebrated moments would be born: a grassroots fundraising project that would see locals and strangers alike raise over $150,000 for a charity they knew little or nothing about.
Nick's Reflections on the English Channel Swim
Fast forward two and a half years, and Nick reflects on his English Channel swim with his trademark modesty and shares some words of advice for anyone contemplating taking on a project - large or small - in the name of charity.
“You must be authentic. And your connection to the cause must be real,” says Nick.
“It was never just about me swimming the English Channel as a personal challenge. My personal connection to the Camp was critical and kept me going when training - or the actual English Channel crossing - became overwhelming.
“We worked hard to help people understand what The Portsea Camp meant, what its purpose was, and create an emotional connection to the kids behind the Camp gates.
“Once we told the story, it became about the collective impact the community could have on a deserving and worthwhile cause.”
Nick believes it was getting the story out about the Camp that really resonated with donors. Suddenly, it wasn’t just Nick, the local swimmer and former lifesaver, taking on a personal challenge—it became about the kids. The swim would become their story too.
Nick's Training and Motivation
Not surprisingly, Nick’s emotional connection to the Camp became his greatest motivation during his gruelling training schedule and Channel swim. 10km swims became 20, 30, and then a 48km swim across the Channel. He connected with a long-distance swim coach. He overcame shoulder surgery. He learned to eat and drink in the water. He trained himself mentally to look into darkness for 10 hours at a time. He tried to mimic the conditions of the Channel swim. And always, he swam in the waters just below the Camp, in full view of his goal.
“Throughout all the training, all the setbacks—which invariably there are—a critical motivation was always the kids and not letting them down. Kids need to know that things get tough. But it’s the tough times that enable the good times.
“Giving up was not an option.”
It was this determination not to let the kids down that ultimately became Nick’s saviour at the most critical point in the swim. Within sight of France—just a couple of kms from land— the wind and tides started to pull him backwards.
Nick says this was the moment he felt the kids, more than 15,000 kilometres away, push him forward, one agonising stroke at a time, urging him to reach their goal together. Telling him: "Don’t give up. Don’t give up.”
“You can't let the kids down was ringing in my ears”.
Looking Ahead
Nick Martin continues to swim each day in the waters off The Portsea Camp and maintains a keen interest in the charity and the kids who benefit from it. Asked if he has another big swim in him, Nick laughs and says he’s probably more suited to dry land fundraising these days but admits he still thinks of the kids spurring him on as he swims below. And maybe, just maybe, there’s another swim challenge, because there’s always a need for a challenge that combines personal and community goals.
Bunnings Helps Refurbish The Portsea Camp’s Western Wing
A Fresh New Look for The Portsea Camp’s Western Wing, Thanks to Bunnings, Monarch, Taubmans, and Local Volunteers
We are excited to share the remarkable transformation of The Portsea Camp’s Western Wing, brought to life through the dedication and generosity of Bunnings, Monarch, Taubmans, and local community members. This project was a true team effort, with an impressive collaboration of organizations donating not only materials but also their time and expertise to give our camp a much-needed facelift.
Prepping for Success: A Team Effort
Before the painting could even begin, the groundwork was expertly laid by members of the Rosebud Men’s Shed, Point Nepean Men’s Shed, and SES, along with Marlene and Lisa from Rosebud Bunnings. This team undertook all the essential prep work, including sanding, priming, and undercoating the area to ensure a flawless finish. Their dedication the week prior to the main event set the stage for the transformation that followed.
View this post on Instagram
The Final Touches: A Painting Project Like No Other
Once the prep work was complete, teams from Bunnings, Monarch, and Taubmans took over to give the Western Wing its vibrant new look. Here’s what they achieved:
- 22 inside poles: Brightened with fresh coats of paint.
- 7 outside handrails and 7 stair rails: Made safer and more stylish.
- 28 inside window reveals: Refreshed with new colour.
- 14 doors and archways: Rejuvenated to enhance the interior.
- A full room: Completely repainted, transforming it into a welcoming space.
- 7 window reveals: Finished to perfection.
Monarch’s Contribution
Monarch generously donated 50 paint brushes, roller sleeves, drop sheets, and paint buckets, along with four of their dedicated team members, who spent the day volunteering their time and skills.
View this post on Instagram
Taubmans’ Expertise
Ella and her team from Taubmans donated 60-70 liters of high-quality paint, covering all areas with exterior, interior, and metal paints. Six Taubmans team members worked tirelessly, adding their professional touch to ensure the Western Wing looked its absolute best.
Bunnings’ Massive Support
Bunnings, led by Marlene from Rosebud, donated all the necessary PPE, ladders, and even kept the team fueled with lollies and soft drinks. An incredible 65 team members from Bunnings lent their time, including 50 from their Melbourne head office and 15 Activities Organisers from across Melbourne.
A United Effort for the Community
This project was a shining example of what can be achieved when local businesses and community groups come together. The Rosebud and Point Nepean Men’s Sheds, SES, and the hardworking teams from Bunnings, Monarch, and Taubmans have left an indelible mark on The Portsea Camp. Their combined efforts have not only improved our Western Wing but also uplifted the spirit of community and service that defines our camp.
Thank you to everyone involved—your work will continue to inspire and bring joy to the children and families who visit The Portsea Camp for years to come!
From Garden to Table: Teaching Sustainability at The Portsea Camp
Veggie Patch Project at The Portsea Camp
At The Portsea Camp, we are dedicated to creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for children, and one of our most exciting initiatives is our veggie patch project.
This garden is more than just a patch of green—it’s an outdoor classroom where kids learn the value of growing, harvesting, and enjoying their own fresh produce, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability.
Yates Australia Sharing a Vision for Sustainability
Thanks to our amazing neighbor Andrew Larke, we were introduced to Yates Australia, a company that shares our vision of sustainability. Yates generously donated their time, staff, dirt, and seeds, playing a key role in bringing this dream to life. Their contributions have helped us create a flourishing vegetable garden that will be a vital resource for children at the camp for years to come.
View this post on Instagram
Bunning Provided Seedlings for Summer and Winter Crops
In addition, Bunnings Rosebud has been an invaluable partner, providing us with seedlings for both summer and winter crops. This allows us to keep the garden thriving year-round, teaching kids the importance of seasonal growing and the benefits of fresh, homegrown food.
We also want to give a special shout-out to Sarah and her team, who have been dedicated to maintaining the veggie patch. Their hard work in nurturing the plants and keeping pests at bay has been essential to the garden’s success. They’ve been instrumental in ensuring that the garden grows strong and healthy, allowing the kids to fully enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labor.
The Joy of Homegrown Food for Kids
Through this garden-to-table initiative, we are teaching the next generation about sustainability, self-sufficiency, and the joy of homegrown food. Kids at The Portsea Camp now have the chance to get their hands dirty, learn the entire process from planting seeds to harvesting vegetables, and experience the satisfaction of preparing their own meals from what they’ve grown.
A heartfelt thank you to Yates Australia, Bunnings Rosebud, and Sarah's team for their incredible contributions. Together, we’re not just growing food—we’re growing the future. Stay tuned as we continue to cultivate our garden and our vision for a greener, healthier tomorrow!
Food Safety at Camp: 5 Essential Tips
Ensuring Peace of Mind for Parents of Children with Food Allergies
Sending your child off to camp is an exciting milestone, but for parents of children with food allergies, it can also bring feelings of anxiety. With food allergies now affecting approximately 1 in 20 children in Australia, the concerns surrounding food safety at camp are real and growing. At the heart of every parent's decision to send their child to camp is the desire to know that their child will be safe, supported, and included. Understanding the complexities of food allergies and the measures that can be taken to manage them is crucial in alleviating those concerns.
The Growing Concern Over Food Allergies
Food allergies are a growing concern, particularly in children. An allergic reaction, especially anaphylaxis, can be severe and life-threatening, making it essential to take precautions when it comes to food at camp. According to Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, approximately 2% of Australians suffer from severe food allergies, with numbers on the rise. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. These allergens, and the risk of cross-contamination, can make food an understandably worrying topic for parents.
But the impact of food allergies extends beyond physical health risks. Many children with food allergies also face emotional challenges, such as isolation or anxiety, particularly during shared activities like mealtime. The communal aspect of eating at camp can exacerbate feelings of exclusion, making it all the more important for camps to offer an environment where children feel secure and understood.
The Importance of Rigorous Allergy Management
When it comes to managing food allergies at camp, preparation, training, and communication are key. Effective allergy management goes beyond just avoiding certain foods; it’s about creating an environment where children with allergies can participate fully and safely in camp activities.
Camps, including those like The Portsea Camp, play a pivotal role in educating both staff and campers on how to manage food allergies. Camps should implement clear policies and procedures to prevent allergic reactions and ensure everyone knows how to respond should one occur. Regular training for all camp staff—especially kitchen and program staff—on food safety, allergy awareness, and emergency procedures is essential.
Key Strategies for Effective Allergy Management
- Staff Training: Camp staff should be trained not just on food safety protocols but also on allergen awareness and the specific needs of children with allergies. This includes recognising the signs of an allergic reaction, understanding how to handle cross-contamination, and knowing the steps to take in an emergency.
- Meal Planning: Developing allergy-friendly menus is crucial to ensuring that all children can enjoy their meals without fear. Collaborating with parents to understand their child’s allergies and dietary needs helps camps provide delicious, safe meals while promoting inclusivity.
- Emergency Protocols: Anaphylaxis can occur quickly, so it’s vital that camp staff are trained to recognise symptoms and act swiftly. Camps should have clear emergency protocols in place, ensuring that all staff know where medications (such as adrenaline injectors) are stored, and how to administer them in the event of an emergency.
5 Essential Tips for Parents Sending Children with Food Allergies to Camp
If you’re a parent considering sending your child with food allergies to camp, here are five essential tips to help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience:
1) Communicate Openly with Camp Staff
Make sure to have a conversation with camp coordinators and kitchen staff well before your child arrives. Discuss your child’s specific allergies, any cross-contamination concerns, and dietary restrictions. The more information you provide, the better prepared the camp will be to meet your child’s needs.
2) Provide Detailed Information
Write down a comprehensive list of your child’s allergies, including specific foods to avoid and any cross-contamination risks. Make sure the camp has detailed information about symptoms, emergency procedures, and emergency contact numbers. This helps camp staff create a safe, tailored environment for your child.
3) Pack Safe Snacks
While camps will make every effort to ensure meals are allergy-safe, it’s always helpful to send your child with some of their own safe snacks. This can provide reassurance, especially during outings or when other children are eating foods that may not be safe for your child.
4) Educate Your Child
Empower your child by teaching them about their food allergies and the importance of avoiding specific foods. Encourage them to speak up if they are unsure about a meal or snack, and teach them how to advocate for themselves when necessary. The more they understand their allergies, the more confident they will be in managing them.
5) Encourage Open Communication
Encourage your child to communicate directly with kitchen staff or camp leaders if they have any concerns about their food. Ensuring there’s a safe, open channel for these conversations will make your child feel more secure, and it will give them a sense of control over their food choices.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment for All Campers
At its core, managing food allergies at camp is about more than just avoiding harmful foods. It’s about creating an environment that fosters inclusion, support, and confidence. At The Portsea Camp, we strive to provide an experience where children can grow, explore, and make lasting memories—without the added worry of food-related risks.
We also play an essential role in promoting food education. This is an opportunity to teach children not only about how to manage their allergies but also about the importance of healthy, nutritious eating. By integrating nutrition education into camp programmes, children can develop a better understanding of food, which supports both their physical health and emotional well-being.
Conclusion: Empowering Children to Thrive
As a parent, it’s natural to feel apprehensive about sending your child with food allergies to camp. But by working closely with camp staff, preparing your child with the tools and knowledge they need, and ensuring open communication throughout the process, you can help create a safe and positive experience for your child. Camps that prioritise food safety and allergy management, like The Portsea Camp and others across the country, are committed to providing environments where children can enjoy the joys of camp life with confidence.
The ultimate goal is for children to feel empowered—to explore new experiences, make lasting friendships, and take part in camp activities, all while knowing that their health and safety are being cared for. With a shared commitment from parents, camp staff, and children, we can create an enriching and supportive environment where every camper, regardless of their dietary needs, can thrive.