A record of more than $40,000 has been raised by Affinity Education Group centres participating in a national fundraising campaign for The Pyjama Foundation.
After again offering a ‘CEO’s Challenge’, Affinity CEO Tim Hickey donated a final $1881 to match the amount raised by the top fundraising centre in the country, Milestones Early Learning Cranbourne North in Victoria, and a further $250 to recognise the efforts the Finance Team in Affinity’s Centre Support Office (CSO) for joining in the Serious Fun on the day.
“The energy and support of our centres for the work of The Pyjama Foundation was absolutely contagious this year, and we loved seeing the Serious Fun had by families, children and our teams for such a great cause,” Mr Hickey said.
Pyjama Foundation Bronwyn Sheehan OAM thanked all Affinity Education Group Centre Managers in person at the recent Affinity Education Group conference, and via a national zoom call.
“How amazing is Affinity Education Group? We cannot thank you enough for your incredible support for Pyjama Day, and all the love you have shown in your fundraising efforts,” Ms Sheehan said.
The top five fundraising centres nationally raised a combined $6500 with Milestones Early Learning Cranbourne North in the lead, followed by Papilio Early Learning Lutwyche, Milestones Early Learning Stanthorpe, Kids Academy Glenmore Park and Kids Academy Mickleham.
“We were absolutely blown away by the support of our families and community for children in foster care,” said Deb Wallace, Centre Manager at Milestones Early Learning Cranbourne North.
“We planned out Fundraising Activities to cover every day of the week – things that were not going to cost us much as a to do, so we had our Lolly Jar Guessing, Hamper Raffle, Bake Sale (Staff Baked), Take Home Meals created by our cook and an Art Sale – of children’s art work – some was existing pieces we had, some created some new pieces for the sale!”
“We posted regular updates to Storypark and Facebook, encouraging families to donate, and to share our donation link, and mostly, we had a lot of fun!”
At Papilio Early Learning Lutwyche, Centre Manager Elle connected with local retailers at Lutwyche Market who provided generous donations for a raffle including teeth whitening, jewellery, hair care, coffee and kebab vouchers and delicious hampers.
“Pyjama Week is eagerly anticipated by our families and team, and everyone really gets into the spirit!” Elle said.
Funds raised by Affinity Education Group will support the work of The Pyjama Foundation including training Pyjama Angels and providing books and resources for children in foster care. Find out more here.