The end of the year can be a challenging time for many families we support. As school finishes and caring responsibilities intensify, we take extra care to support families during this time.

The holiday season brings a lot of joy but also highlights what is missing. For families who celebrate Christmas, it can be a mix of special and sad moments. We’re honoured to support them as they cope with grief and slowly build new memories.

That’s why your involvement matters more than ever. Every act of kindness can help bring comfort and joy in simple, meaningful ways. Here are four ways you can spread cheer this festive season:

Every tree purchased, every light displayed, every donation made helps us provide vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Thank you to all our supporters who help us make the festive season a bit brighter for families in our care.

In 2023, Dillon made a bold decision to take on a gruelling 100-mile Ultra Marathon in the You Yangs.

This race started as a pipe dream for Dillon, but it quickly evolved into something much more personal when he realised he could honour the memory of his late nephew Jordan – who sadly died at two months old in 2018.

Life quickly became a blur for Dillon and his family, as they supported Kristy and Josh through Jordan’s end of life. Dillon recalls everyone under one roof, sleeping on mattresses for three-weeks as they prepared to say goodbye to his nephew.

“I remember Kristy and Josh were getting a lot of support from a lot of people ‘in the moment’, but as time passed, that dwindled a bit, whereas they’ve always felt supported by Very Special Kids.”

Very Special Kids has stood by the side of Jordan’s family throughout their grief and continues to provide access to expert counselling and a range of support programs, including free-of-charge holiday accommodation at Glen Osmond Farm. Located just outside the township of Woodend, the holiday accommodation offers families like theirs a tranquil place to relax and unwind together.

After initially setting the goal for $500, Dillon was encouraged by family and friends, as well as Very Special Kids, to increase the target to $1500. Within two hours he had reached his target and ended up raising more than $11,000 for Very Special Kids.

“I’ve never fundraised before, so had zero idea of what to expect. It blew me away how many people cared and how many people would reach out to me saying that they drew inspiration from it as well.”

When asked what advice he would give to another fundraiser, Dillon shared, ‘If you’re passionate about the cause that you’re raising the money for, just trust that it is going to a good cause, and you don’t have to feel bad asking people to donate to a worthy cause.”

Would you like to take on a challenge like Dillon in support of Very Special Kids?

Become one of our charity superstars in the upcoming Nike Melbourne Marathon on Sunday 12 October 2025. Click here to apply. 

In 2025, members of our community are choosing to wear their hearts on their sleeves, finding creative ways to fundraise for Very Special Kids and improve the quality of life of children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Below are a few wonderful examples of how a fun activity can transform into a fundraising opportunity:

With the generosity of his fellow colleagues behind him, the SW Accountants and Advisors Partner shared what motivated him to fundraise and raise close to $16,000:

If you are considering a big haircut in your future, perhaps consider following in Rick’s footsteps and setting up your own fundraiser.

We are tickled pink to announce that the Piggy Bank Appeal has raised more than $120,000 throughout the month of November!

Once again, our long standing partners Commonwealth Bank and ALH Hotels joined our very special community to celebrate the Piggy Bank Appeal. As they’ve done for more than 25 years, Commonwealth Bank painted their branches pink, selling our unique piggy banks all month long. ALH Hotels, who have been supporting the Piggy Bank Appeal for 27 years, donated $1 from every garlic bread sold in venues across the state.

Many local and regional community supporters also collected donations and organised fundraisers in their communities.

An army of dedicated volunteers hit the streets of the Melbourne CBD on Piggy Bank Day, Thursday 28 November, collecting donations, selling merchandise and spreading piggy cheer.

We’re so grateful for the ongoing commitment from all our partners and supporters. Thank you for helping to raise vital funds for the children and families in our care. We couldn’t do it without you!

The festive season is just around the corner and our very special community is hosting an array of festive fundraising activities! Here are a few ways you can support Very Special Kids this Christmas:

You can support our Christmas Appeal and read Nishan’s full story here.

The starting line of a marathon can stir up many emotions. But while preparing to hit the pavement at last year’s Nike Melbourne Marathon, Ryan never expected to see a familiar charity logo so close to his heart.

“I was lining up for the race when I saw a Very Special Kids t-shirt. I couldn’t believe it because my daughter was staying at their children’s hospice that same day.”

Not only is respite care a much-needed break for parents, it’s also something children look forward to. The dedicated health professionals at Very Special Kids love to create a fun and safe environment, so children like Annie can make independent memories during their stay.

Ryan will be back running in this year’s Nike Melbourne Marathon but this time he will be joining as a Very Special Kids Charity Superstar. 

Him and his friend Jack will be joined by more than one hundred runners who have dedicated their run and fundraising to supporting very special kids like Annie. Funds raised will help the organisation provide holistic palliative care to seriously ill children and their families – through life, death, and bereavement. 

“It’s overwhelming to see so many people run for a cause that supports families like mine. I’m glad I can give back in this way.” 

Superstar Fundraisers receive a guaranteed, free entry into the event, including to the sold-out half and full marathons, while committing to fundraising at least $2000.  

If you’d like to take on the challenge and help Very Special Kids raise vital funds, you can apply to be a Charity Superstar here.

When Heath and his friends organised a casual motorbike ride in northeast Victoria, they had no idea it would turn into an annual Ride and Drive Day that would raise almost $80,000 for Very Special Kids over the next two years.

The family were referred to Very Special Kids as Tahlia grew older, and her care requirements increased.

Initially hesitant about what to expect, Heath, Leesa and Tahlia’s two siblings were astounded by the level of care and fun children and young people received. The family became involved in various programs and activities at Very Special Kids, including sibling days and volunteering.