Louise Larkin and team hold an annual inclusion event (Friend In Me Day) with thousands of children attending who have lived through pretty tough childhood experiences. "We bring together children of all ages, nationalities, and abilities to dance, play, sing, create and most importantly, make lifelong friends and memories they will cherish.” Personally, what I also love about Friend In Me is that they didn’t stop at one idea for good.As Louise says: “Inclusion doesn’t stop when the party ends.” The team developed a practical workplace training program that helps business leaders be more welcoming, diverse, and inclusive. https://www.friendinme.org.au
There's a Sydney-based charity offering a source of strength for kids in hospital. Supertee gifts bright, superhero themed medical garments to children facing long-term illness. I asked founder Jason Sotiris about his idea that was born from personal experience. "Nurses, parents and children all working together to make a garment that is more practical and fun. We hear stories of bravery and courage despite all these amazing kids must face." The collaborative effort is what stands out to me as the heart of the idea, and the smiles on the kids' faces, well you can't argue with that. https://www.supertee.org.au
There has been plenty of negative press over the years about the impact of video games on the younger population. So, let's focus on an incredible positive. There is a not-for-profit using video games to build a framework of support for people with disabilities.
Able Gamers gives people an accessible way to reach beyond the physical confines of their homes and connect with other players all over the world. It’s an initiative that requires constant ideation to properly match the video gaming playing experience to varied abilities, while keeping up with the latest trends in the gaming industry. https://ablegamers.org
The current conflict in Ukraine has impacted the nation’s population. The UNHCR estimates that millions of Ukrainians are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.Displaced families urgently need essential supplies and protection due to the fastest large-scale displacement of children since World War II.The escalating crisis has disrupted essential services for countless families and children. Homes, schools, power stations, food, water supplies and hospitals have been damaged or destroyed in the fighting.We need to act now.To learn more or donate to the United Ukraine Appeal visit: https://www.theukraineappeal.org/
