During the April school holidays, Very Special Kids ran two engaging sibling days for 30 primary aged siblings in Malvern and Epping. The theme for the day was ‘All about me’ and sought to create an opportunity for siblings to reflect on themselves, what makes them special and what they enjoy. They had the opportunity to get behind the camera, take photos, and create their very own self-portrait.     Days like these offer siblings who have a brother or sister who...

Written by Jude, very special sibling and Youth Advisory Group member The Youth Advisory Group has been a place of constant mutual learning and evolution. In the time that I’ve been part of this driven group of individuals, I’ve seen the simple power of listening make visible changes to Very Special Kids as a whole. A dedicated stall at family days for the Youth Advisory Group to run activities out of and the impact that our voices have on the...

On Friday 15 March, we served up A Very Special Ladies Lunch, raising a record-breaking $124,000 for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. Guests indulged in beautiful views of the Yarra River at our new venue, Leonda by the Yarra, and had an exciting chance to win a 1ct pink Sapphire, to be set to custom piece, courtesy of Melbourne jeweller Tallulah.     Our MC Heidy Murphy, entertainers Miss Dee and Justin Hall and auctioneer Phil de Fegely...

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...

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....

"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...

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...

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...

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...

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...