Update from the Executive Officer
It’s been a great start to 2020.
So many families have already been helped by your generosity. I have been moved by the level of commitment shown by people like you to the
children and families that we support.
Because of you, this is a special and unique place that families can rely on to receive guidance, support and help when they need it. It’s where they can come and feel safe and secure. A “home away from home” is what it is often referred to.
Our families come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. You wouldn’t be able to tell them apart from anyone else in the street. Some may have fallen on hard times, others may be going through a period of instability, and some have been battling these problems for a long time.
I should know. I was one of those families once.
For several years my family went through a period of instability. We did not know where to turn and struggled with housing and food stress. Schoolwork was definitely low on the priority list.
The Brigade was our lifesaver. It gave my brother and I somewhere safe to go after school and during holidays. This provided an opportunity for my mother to work to give us a better quality of life and pull us out of the cycle of disadvantage.
We were able to get our lives back on track with the help of the Brigade. I will always be thankful for our “home away from home”.
Whilst that was over 20 years ago, things in the community have barely changed. There are families like mine, even more now, who need the Brigade to help them during tough times. Our local area may be changing, but families are still there, becoming more invisible and requiring more help.
Thank you for helping ensure our Vacation Care programs are fun, educating and entertaining for the children.
Without your help, we could not continue our services or offer the excursions and activities that our children receive.
Stefan Lamour-Jansson