Kids pyjama drive comes to the Sunshine Coast
Thu 22 July 2010
Sarah Mahoney, Bachelor of Journalism
Many foster children are sure to get a good night’s sleep again this year, with The Pyjama Foundation calling on community members to donate pyjamas to their state-wide drive.
The Sunshine Coast is one of many regions in Queensland hosting The Pyjama Foundation’s Pyjama Drive from May 25 to June 16, 2010, setting up collection points for donations of newly packaged pyjamas to be distributed to children in foster care.
With an estimated 31,000 children currently in care, and with some only sleeping in the same clothes they wear every day, The Pyjama Foundation aims to supply many children with a pair of new, clean pyjamas in time for winter.
Sunshine Coast Pyjama Foundation co-ordinator Sue Cluff said that a simple gift like a new pair of pyjamas could go a long way for children in need.
“Even though it’s only a little thing for most of us, for these kids…it’s really lovely that they get something brand new that’s just for them,” Ms Cluff said.
The Pyjama Foundation seeks donations of pyjamas in all sizes, and in both winter and summer styles for boys and girls.
Collection points for donations of newly packaged pyjamas on the Sunshine Coast are based at several local businesses, offices and all the libraries.
Ms Cluff said this is the Sunshine Coast’s second year taking part in the Pyjama Drive.
“We love communities like the Sunshine Coast to get involved,” Ms Cluff said.
“The Sunshine Coast has already collected heaps of pyjamas, which is fantastic.”
The Pyjama Drive is only one of several of the foundation’s charity work incentives to help improve the quality of life for foster children in Australia.
As part of The Pyjama Foundation’s literacy-based program ‘Love of Learning’, community volunteers known as Pyjama Angels would visit foster homes each week and read the children stories, in efforts to inspire them to learn how to read and write.
Recognised as an ongoing problem, 92 per cent of foster children under the age of seven are below the average reading level.
The Pyjama Foundation has since worked towards changing these figures, and to instil a positive influence on the lives of Australian children in care.
Community Access Programs and Services team leader Jacqueline Walch said all 10 libraries on the Sunshine Coast have joined forces with The Pyjama Foundation on this program.
“Sunshine Coast Libraries became involved with the Pyjama Drive because our aims are so similar,” Ms Walch said.
“Like Sunshine Coast Libraries, The Pyjama Foundation also promotes reading, literacy and learning.”
Ms Walch is also a volunteer with The Pyjama Foundation as a Pyjama Angel.
“This appeal is particularly close to my heart and aligns closely with both my personal and professional values,” Ms Walch said.
Since its establishment five years ago, The Pyjama Foundation has continued to gain support across the main regions of Queensland.
However, Ms Cluff said The Pyjama Foundation is planning to expand into a potentially nationwide charity.
“We do have plans to expand in the near future to New South Wales and to the rest of Australia,” Ms Cluff said.
Image(s) designed by n/a