Cam’s Cause is a not for profit organization which strives to honor and remember the amazing life of Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG.
About Cam's Cause
By doing so, Cam’s Cause hopes to raise awareness of the amazing work performed by the Australian military. In particular the modern day warfare of Afghanistan and the physical and psychological cost that comes with it.
By telling the brilliant story of Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG, the Cam’s Cause team strive to sustain the memory of a great Australian and inspire the leaders of tomorrow with the values that Corporal Baird lived his life by.
Cameron was an exceptionally modest man who, when on home soil, spent significant time supporting organisations that raised money for soldier welfare. Shortly after his death in 2013, friends and family of Cameron came together and pledged to endure his legacy and attempt to emulate his passion for soldier welfare as their way of honouring and paying tribute to an everyday guy who will be remembered as an Australian hero.
From humble beginnings hosting 200 patrons for a Sportsman’s Night in honour of Cam at the Keilor Hotel in Victoria, the achievements of Cam’s Cause have reached well beyond what the team had ever thought possible and has inspired a following across Australia and internationally.
Some of the achievements thus far in our journey are:
- Life-size bronze statue dedicated by the Governor General Sir Peter John Cosgrove, AK, MC in the foyer of the Currumbin RSL
- Inaugural ‘CPL Cameron Baird VC MG Award for Courage and Leadership’ for the Redland Sharks Junior Team, QLD
- Naming of the Pavilion at the Jack Ginifer Reserve ‘CPL Cameron Baird VC MG Pavilion’, VIC
- Annual Remembrance Ceremony at the Melbourne Shire of Remembrance, VIC
- ‘Cam’s Cause’ Charity nights at Keilor Hotel (VIC), Burnie Arts and Function Centre (TAS) & Currumbin RSL (QLD)
- Fundraising at Redland Football Club Charity Match
- Visits to Victorian and Queensland Primary Schools to talk about CPL Cameron Baird VC MG, “Aspire to Inspire” program, aimed at steering young people down the right path
- Hume City Council: CPL Cameron Baird VC MG Memorial Award and scholarship program, Victoria
A Proud Moment
The proudest moment of the Cam’s Cause journey thus far is the unveiling of a life-sized statue of CPL Cameron Baird VC MG at the Currumbin RSL (QLD). This statue is the result of amazing financial support and fundraising and stands to honour Australia’s 100th Victorian Cross Recipient and the 42 Australian lives that have been lost in Afghanistan.
The statue also symbolises Australia’s modern day warfare and the stories of bravery that are unheard.
Well over 500 soldiers have been permanently effected by physical injuries sustained in battle. What is more alarming are the increasing numbers of psychological injuries that soldiers are facing such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) depression and anxiety.
Cam’s Cause is looking long into the future regarding the need to help with soldier welfare. Through networking with some of Cameron’s close friends within the 2nd Commando Regiment there is an amazing opportunity to make a difference and help soldiers that may be struggling with the effects of serving in the elite 2nd Commando Regiment. Which is a division of Australia’s Special Forces Task Group.
The team aims to raise much needed funds to help build specially designed camps that provide a unique environment incorporating general outdoor activities and specialist help that have been created by the 2nd Commando Regiments Human Performance Wing. These camps have been created for Commandos by Commandos and are proven to make a difference in assisting recovery from physical and mental injuries.
We could think of no better way to honour Cameron than assisting his beloved 2nd Commando Regiment and the soldiers that protect our way of life from the frontline.
Fundraising
Funds raised by Cam’s Cause are disbursed in accordance with the charity objectives.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
The funds raised by Cam’s Cause are primarily for the use of the 2nd Commando Regiment. In particular, the Human Performance Optimization cell (HPO). Specially designed Wellness Camps, Mastery Camps and Wilderness Retreats are run by the regiment’s HPO cell, bringing together a different range of holistic approach activities that aim to optimise physical performance and mental wellbeing amongst Commandos. These camps are designed by commandos for commandos and are available to current and ex serving members. Funds are also allocated for equipment and maintenance of any HPW activities.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
Cam’s Cause also seeks to support requests that assist the immediate families of commandos. Our welfare extends to commandos partners and/or children. This support can be from direct requests from the families themselves or through supporting requests from other defence based support networks such as the Commando Welfare Trust (CWT).
Please Note: Requests for secondary objectives are taken on case by case basis. Eligibility will depend on our financial capability once funds are allocated for our primary objectives.
