Community
25 July, 2024
Fundraiser launched
A LOCAL business is taking part in a whimsical fundraiser which supports Australian children in foster care.
Mortlake’s Blush Boutique Salon hosted the fundraiser last week as part of Pyjama Day, an initiative of The Pyjama Foundation held every July 19 which encourages people to wear their favourite pyjamas while raising awareness and funds for children in foster care.
While the official day was held last Friday, fundraisers can be held between July and August - with more than 240,000 pairs of pyjamas worn and $450,000 raised for the cause.
Blush Boutique Salon manager Emily Thorne said she was inspired to start the fundraiser as the cause is close to her heart.
“My parents, before I was born, used to take kids in to foster care,” she said.
“We also fostered my niece and nephew.
“When I moved to Melbourne I saw there were a lot of homeless kids out on the street, and it made me suggest to my boss at the time that we take part in Pyjama Day.
“We raised a lot of money through that.”
Now managing her own salon in Mortlake, Ms Thorne wanted to replicate the fundraiser locally after seeing a need in the community.
Last week she and senior hairdresser Naomi Gibbs donned their pyjamas at work, and encouraged customers to do the same.
“Mortlake is a big community, and we’re like one big family down here,” she said.
“I thought why not try and give back in our community because a lot of clients actually foster kids.
“I thought having a fundraiser might help to take the load off families fostering others because it can be quite expensive.
“Plus, I like wearing pyjamas.”
All funds raised through the fundraiser go directly to The Pyjama Foundation to support causes which aim to break the cycle of disadvantage faced by the more than 46,000 children in the foster care system in Australia.
This can include instability in homes and schools, which disrupts their education and hampers their ability to thrive.
Those in the foster care system are at a higher risk of falling behind in school, developing mental health issues, facing future unemployment and making poor life choices.
Fundrasing contributions go to The Pyjama Foundation which recruits, screens, trains, and matches a “Pyjama Angel” mentor with a child in care.
They serve as mentors to read books, play educational games, assist with homework and empower foster kids with learning, life skills and confidence.
Ms Thorne said every dollar mattered, as lots of small donations led to big changes.
“Please donate if you can,” she said.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit fundraise.thepyjamafoundation.com/fundraisers/blushies.
