LAST year, a group of participants in the Gippsland Community Leadership Program organised a region-wide PJ Day for primary schools across Gippsland to raise money and awareness for the Sale-based charity A Better Life for Foster Kids.
A total of $15,400 was raised, along with donations of more than $3000 worth of new pyjamas and clothes.
Thirty-nine schools got on board, along with organisations, businesses, media outlets, and individuals promoting the event.
Across Wellington, several businesses were involved, and 13 schools, including Nambrok-Denison, Sale (545), St Mary’s (Sale), Stratford, St Michael’s (Heyfield), St Patrick’s (Stratford), Woodside, Seaspray and Gippsland Grammar St Annes.
“With such a successful event and a big impact in 2022, with kids from schools right across Gippsland having an exciting and fun day, and we have decided to do it all again this year,” Rebecca Matthews, one of the event organisers, said.
“This year, it will be held on Friday, September 8, and we are hoping it can be even bigger and better.”
A Better Life for Foster Kids supports children and carers in the out-of-home care system.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 10 children in every 1000 in Victoria are on care and protection orders, a total of 14,947 children across Victoria.
Each year, A Better Life For Foster Kids provides Crisis Cases to around 1600 children entering care, ensuring needs are taken care of with dignity and relieving the mental and financial burden of carers.
A Better Life For Foster Kids appeals to the government for better policies for children in care and carers, as well as hosting an annual camp and assisting children in care to participate in after-school activities.
A Better Life For Foster Kids founder, Heather Baird, said the Sale-based organisation was always happy to be involved with local group, and appreciates those in the community think highly of what they do.
“Without the support of groups such as this one, we could never do what we do,” Ms Baird said.
“We are always running out of PJs as we use both a winter and summer pair in every case; not only will this project up our supply of them, but more important, it will raise awareness, even with the children from the local schools learning that what they take for granted that every kid has such things our kiddies don’t.”
Andrew Williamson, from the Organising Committee for Gippsland’s Biggest PJ Day, said the day was to raise awareness about foster kids and the challenges they face in a fun and engaging way.
“Who doesn’t love a PJ day,” Mr Williamson said.
“The fundraising efforts that schools and businesses went to was incredible (last year) and made such a difference to A Better Life for Foster Kids.”
Schools, businesses and organisations across Gippsland are all invited to get involved in whatever capacity they can, including putting the PJs on and having a fun day. Just putting out a tin for donations on the day makes a difference.
To register your school, business or community group, visit Better Life for Foster Kids website at abetterlifeforfosterkids.org.au/gippslands-biggest-p-j-day/
