Welcome to 2017

January 1, 2017

As we head into a new year, it is timely to reflect that the festive season and holiday period presents different emotions for each family. I hope that all of our families were able to spend time with each other in support and reflection during the summer months.

We enjoyed a successful end to 2016, with the Fair and Fashion Sale achieving record attendance and funds raised. I was heartened by the support Very Special Kids’ received from the local community, and enjoyed meeting many families both at the Fair and Family Christmas Party.

The valuable contribution of our volunteers was recognised with a special Christmas event. I am inspired by the support we receive from over 840 volunteers. On behalf of all the families and staff, I would like to thank all our volunteers for your ongoing devotion and support.

A major focus in 2017 is understanding in great detail the needs of the families we support and creating operational efficiency while delivering services and communicating with families. We have invited all families to provide feedback via a survey on a range of issues and this feedback will enable families to be involved in designing and delivering their own health care.

Thanks to catalyst funding from Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation, we are exploring options for infrastructure improvements to the hospice, which will provide the best facilities to support families into the future.

We are also reviewing our major fundraising events with our corporate partners and planning ways to increase our income. It’s a big challenge, but there is so much more that we can achieve though the generous support of our corporate partners and community donors.