fbpx

News

18
Mar 2024

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."   Ryan's five-year-old daughter Annie has a rare life-limiting condition called Aicardi...

Read More

Categories: Family News, Fundraising News

Margaret has always strived to break down barriers and be a strong advocate for children. After a 20-year career in education, Margaret became our first employee and dedicated her energy to helping children and young people who need it most. Thanks to her vision Very Special Kids has been supporting children and their families for more than 35 years. This is our history. In the early ’80s, two families met while caring for their children who were dying from leukemia....

Read More

Categories: Very Special Kids News

"I wish people understood that human connection is the most important aspect of any communication and looks different for any pair of people, including those who are non-verbal."  Very Special Kids mum, Shelley Brown Last year, our volunteers and staff gained valuable insights from an interactive presentation on how to communicate with non-verbal children. The session was held by May Anderson and Shelley Brown. Two very special mums who have a personal connection to Very Special Kids. May and Shelley’s...

Read More

Categories: Family News, Hospice News, Volunteer News

2
Feb 2024

Eight-year-old Luca is known by many nicknames. From cuddly koala to cookie monster, his cheeky personality always shines through! You might not know from his charming grin, but Luca has experienced countless hurdles in his short life. At only three weeks old Luca turned blue. By the time he reached emergency he was limp and unresponsive and was rushed to the resuscitation area by a team of doctors. Luca's parents, Nadja and Marc, spent the next five nights with their...

Read More

Categories: Family News

The holiday 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: Purchase a Petstock Christmas bauble This festive season, the Petstock Foundation is taking action to inspire magic for children in need. You can support The Christmas Project by purchasing a Christmas bauble decoration in store or online. All funds from bauble purchases will go far to help...

Read More

Categories: Family News, Very Special Kids News

8
Dec 2023

When you hear Josiah’s cheerful giggle, you can’t help but smile. He is one of the most joyful little boys you could ever meet. But Josiah entered the world fighting for his life. Josiah was born with a hole in his heart and a life-limiting condition. For his mum Ruth and his dad Travis, every single day has come with desperate hope for their son’s survival. Now four years old, Josiah’s neurometabolic condition affects him every day and night. He...

Read More

Categories: Family News, Fundraising News

The 21st of November 2023 will always be remembered as the day Very Special Kids unveiled its newly rebuilt children's hospice – the Sister Margaret Noone Hospice at Very Special Kids House. [embed]https://youtu.be/nkyxRNublzE[/embed] After six years of meticulous research, development and planning, our long-held dream of a world-class children’s hospice has become a reality. Very Special Kids House will provide world's best practice facilities and specialist support, respite and end-of-life care for children and their families. Although a paediatric palliative...

Read More

Categories: Family News, Hospice News, Very Special Kids News

On Sunday 25 November, over 100 very special families joined us at our Malvern grounds for a joyful and fun end-of-year family day celebration. The entertainment was endless with interactive stalls, fun activities and special guests to keep the kids captivated. There was also an opportunity for parents and carers to visit our pop-up toy store and purchase discounted gifts for the holiday season, with all proceeds going back towards Very Special Kids services. Navigating crowded shopping centres can be...

Read More

Categories: Family News, Very Special Kids News

Our first employee and patron, Sister Margaret Noone, celebrated a very special milestone today – turning 90 years old. Sister Margaret's life is a beacon of inspiration and her presence has enriched countless hearts. Our staff were delighted to celebrate alongside her and honour the many accomplishments she has achieved throughout her lifetime. One staff member shared a beautiful poem to recognise this very special birthday. Celebrating 90 years To work at Very Special Kids is rewarding but challengingAnd each of...

Read More

Categories: Very Special Kids News

On Tuesday 21 November there will be double the excitement as we celebrate the opening of our world-class hospice and we also hold our annual matched giving day, A Very Special Day. For 24-hours only, all donations will be doubled to help keep the doors to Very Special Kids House open to children and young people with life-limiting conditions, 24/7. https://youtu.be/IzHuyEDeZFc For the children and families we support, if they can’t turn to us they would have nowhere else to...

Read More

Categories: Fundraising News, Hospice News, Very Special Kids News