When COVID put paid to the 2020 SunnyKids Mayoral Ball, it hurt SunnyKids deeply – at a time when the incredible work they do was especially needed by the vulnerable families they support each and every day.
Much of the life changing work done by SunnyKids goes unnoticed by most of us – simply because the recipients of the various programs and funding cannot be identified for their own safety and privacy.
But, with the help and ongoing support of the community, every year they are able to offer close to 9,000 nights of emergency accommodation and ensure those who are victims of domestic and family violence have somewhere safe to stay and ongoing support to get through the crisis.
Mayor Mark Jamieson has been a long-time supporter of SunnyKids and is delighted to see one of their biggest fund-raising events, the SunnyKids Mayoral Ball, once again back on the annual calendar.
"The work SunnyKids does in helping to break the cycle of those who are disadvantaged or experiencing poverty is to be commended," Mayor Jamieson said.
"There is no place for domestic violence in our society and we must all do what we can to support those who are victims, as often the generosity and kindness of the community is all they have when they leave behind an environment that they can no longer stay in.
"As their Patron, I am delighted that we have now locked in the date for the annual SunnyKids Mayoral Ball as November 6 and encourage people to join me and the Mayoress as we raise much needed funds towards the SunnyKids Mentoring Programs in schools."
The SunnyKids Mentoring Program in schools supports 10 children and their families, in a school where the program is run, at a cost of $23,000.
To date, the program has had enormous success, after being implemented in a number of schools across the coast, and now General Manager, Kathleen Hope would like to reach a further 100 children in their schools program over the next 12 months.
"Our goal of reaching 100 vulnerable children over the next 12 months through ongoing fundraising will make a real difference. This can only be achieved through the collective fundraising efforts throughout the year of which the SunnyKids Mayoral Ball, is an important part of," Ms Hope said.
"The past 12 months has really shone a spotlight on the sheer volume of women and children living in domestic and family violence situations and these programs are a circuit breaker that can help change the future directions of their lives.
"Initially the program is focused on meeting physiological needs of the child and the family, and then we work on developing a strong sense of belonging which in turn empowers individuals, families and communities to reach their full potential, Ms Hope said.
The SunnyKids Mayoral Ball, will be held at Venue 114 on Saturday 6 November. More information can be found here www.sunnykidsmayoralball.org.au
About SunnyKids
SunnyKids has been engaged in a combination of early intervention, crisis work and intensive family support on the Sunshine Coast for 20 years using our unique, innovative and evidence-based SunnyKids Village model. It is an empowerment model, underpinned by accountability - working at a pace that builds resilience and skills in our clients and improving that capacity over time.
We seek to address increasing instances of disengagement by young people from school and family and the increase of adolescents entering the statutory Child Protection system and Youth Justice Systems. Our evidence-based approach has demonstrated that the issues which need addressing to alleviate these symptoms sit deeply within the family and community setting of these youth, and often it is other members of the family who require support. We work with all members of the family and through our five practice lenses we are able to engage with the "real" issues which often lie with another member of the family but are manifesting in the adolescent.
SunnyKids – Fast Facts 2019/2020
·70% of the children SunnyKids support are from homes experiencing domestic and family violence
·8,970 nights of emergency accommodation provided
·1,386 individuals supported
·Over 19,500 hours of direct support was provided to vulnerable children, young people and their families
