Thrill boat ride

What do you get when you put three excited kids into a thrill boat on Sydney Harbour?

I'm sure there could be a joke in there somewhere, but on 23 September 2013, we found out.

Anne* looks after her three children while their father is in prison.

'Being a sole parent of three is hard, especially financially and we wouldn't have the opportunity to do the fun stuff' she wrote. 'We had the best day out on Monday!'

SHINE for Kids workers Susan Plunkett and Rob Palmer organised the day out for Anne and the kids. And a big thank you to Peter, the owner of the boat, for his time and services.

'I was deeply moved to hear the story from the young boy who had a sister, who lives with their grandma in Maroubra, who has both parents in custody…almost teared up under my sunglasses… he hasn’t visited his dad in almost 1.5 years because they transferred him far away and didn’t let him hug his mom he told me… Wow to hear this from a child is heart breaking.'

Peter was so moved by the experience that he has enlisted a friend to help with another family activity day in the near future.

'I spoke to a friend of mine Karl who has a small hovercraft, and thought in a few months we could offer another outing for these children, to get a few hovercrafts together, for some short rides – these are very unique too as they travel on land and water, and offer a catered picnic/lunch which we will organise/cover.'

The children reportedly screamed when they saw the picture of the hovercraft.

Anne says: 'Also another huge huge thank you for organising the other fun activities that we have been lucky to go to ... the generosity and thoughts of yourself [Susan and Rob], Shine For Kids and the companies involved, so thank you!'

*Name has been changed