WHEN it comes to impressive charitable achievements the Kollege of Knowledge Kommittee for Kids (KKKK) is definitely a standout.
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It could be easy to become blas about this charity with rarely a month passing when it is not featured in a newspaper article, but there is good reason for the frequency of stories.
This charity - established in the Highlands in 1988 and made up entirely of locals committed to raising funds for children with special needs in the region - has made a hugely positive contribution in this community.
In fact in the past 26 years since its formation, the KKKK has raised more than $2.5 million to support local kids with special needs.
That is equivalent to more than $96,000 a year.
In the past year alone the charity has distributed more than $260,000 to various local initiatives, including the most recent purchase of bicycles for Moss Vale High School's support unit to be used by students with special needs and a donation towards the establishment of a new kitchen at Mittagong Public School to be used primarily by the school's special needs classes.
Interchange Southern Highlands, including its ASDESI program, which helps people in the Highlands who have autism, and Tangara School at Mittagong are among the other regular recipients of financial support from the KKKK.
And while the charity's local reach is impressive so too is the many, often novel, ways it raises funds.
It is well known for the annual Gentleman's Luncheon and regular Ladies Luncheon (for the ASDESI program), however, there have been many other popular initiatives intended to engage the interests and support of the community.
These have included the Kilometre of Koins which was run in Bong Bong Street, Bowral, four years ago, a celebrity soccer match and the most recent fundraising activity, the Interchange KKKK ASDESI charity ride between Goulburn and Bowral to be held in October.
All this charitable effort has long been driven by a small group of businessmen (the committee currently consists of 10 members).
These committee members have a focus on raising money within the community to support others in need in the local area.
They are committed to ensure that all money raised is passed on to those who need it most with the committee members choosing to personally absorb any administrative costs.
The commitment of all those involved is impressive to say the least.
The Highlands is lucky to have a charity such this.
