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May 2020
 
 
Newsletter
 
We are living in uncertain times and, while our community is understandably anxious about the current COVID-19 crisis, we want to assure you that we will not stop our work. We are continuing to help vulnerable children through our many programs and services.
 
Operations at the Alannah & Madeline Foundation are now completely virtual and home-based, as it is for much of the world. But spirits are high and we’re all staying as positive as possible. It has been a surprisingly smooth transition:  a testament to the passionate professionals who work at the Foundation.
 
We want to assure you that we are working hard to make certain this will not impact our ongoing services to families, schools, libraries, partners and, most importantly, those who are at the heart of everything we do – children and young people.
 
In times like this our work is more important than ever. We know that some people are even more susceptible in times of crisis, and we are committed to avoiding any harm or negative impact as a result of our temporary relocation. We will not turn away from children when they need us the most. We are proactively adapting our services to ensure we continue to support the children we work with and meet their needs.
 
You can read about how we are adapting our programs in this newsletter.
 
With children having to stay at home, online safety has never been so important and our new virtual eSmart packages are available for both schools, and for the first time, parents as well.
 
We need your support so we can keep protecting children. Your donation will really mean something special and make a big difference this month. You can make a vital donation here. With this year’s Starry Starry Night postponed and so many other fundraising events and activities cancelled, we simply need your assistance.
 
We will continue to keep you updated and thank you so much for your support.
 
As I’ve been saying over the past few weeks: Facts not fear. Clean hands. Open hearts.
 
Stay safe and all the very best,

Lesley Podesta
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
Online safety during home isolation with our new virtual packages
With schools delivering curriculum very differently this term, the Foundation’s eSmart team has created virtual packages to help students, staff and parents to stay safe online while learning remotely.
 
 
     
 
Forever loved
As we do every year, we all stopped at 1pm on 28 April to remember and reflect on all the lives lost and those affected by the Port Arthur tragedy. Twenty-four years on:  forever loved and never forgotten.
 
 
 
 
 
While families are struggling with social isolation, remote learning and the spread of COVID-19, another problem has reared its ugly head: scammers who are taking advantage of people’s confusion and fear by targeting vulnerable members of the community.

 
 
     
 
 
The eSmart team is helping parents with remote learning, releasing new resources weekly. You can also find Top 10 cyber safety tips here to help keep your children safe online.
 
 
 
     
 
Continuing to support our most vulnerable children
We are adapting our service delivery models to continue providing our clients and stakeholders with flexible and innovative ways of support.
 
Read more
 
 
 
 
We’re excited to launch Buddy Club, a beautiful program helping young children to maintain connections with each other and their wider family network. Read more here.
 
     
 
 
Children need our help more than ever. Family stress, isolation, disengagement and uncertain employment, coupled with pre-existing issues, all place children at additional risk. Read how many of our most vulnerable are affected during this time.
 
     
 
We need your help
Just because everyone has to stay home doesn’t mean you can’t still raise funds for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. We’ve seen some innovative examples of people raising funds – marathons on apartment balconies and in backyards, stepping up to still get to 10,000 steps each day… Simply choose your activity and contact us via fundraising@amf.org.au to let us know what you’re doing. Then set up a fundraising page at www.everydayhero.com.au, send to your networks and have some fun with it - and don’t forget to share it with us on our socials! 
 
Get started
 
 
 
Our impact
With your help, we have now reached more than 2.5 million children in the last 23 years.
 
Donate
 
Buddy Bags
More than 100,000 children in emergency care have received a Buddy Bag, thanks to your help. 
 
Learn more
 
 
 
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Donate
 
Alannah & Madeline Foundation logo
 
bb0484a0-63a9-4db4-8e5e-8379be74a593.png 03 9697 0666 | info@amf.org.au
amf.org.au | PO Box 5192, South Melbourne VIC 3205
 
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