Bring warmth this winter Making Kids Lives Better The Official Newsletter of the Children’s Protection Society May 2018 ph: 03 9450 0900 | e: cps@cps.org.au | w: www.cps.org.au
’Mummy, I’m so cold.’ Dear Friend of CPS, We’ve all seen how our utility costs have sky-rocketed in recent times. The reality facing many clients of ours (already struggling to afford life’s basics) is a long, freezing winter. That means babies, toddlers, mums and dads going without s ufficient heating in their homes. This year CPS urges you to participate in our Winter appeal. We will direct your kind donations to needy families’ power charges so they can stay warm this winter.
Please donate to our winter appeal at
www.cps.org.au/winter 02 | making kids lives better
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volunteers give a little, change a lot Volunteering in the workplace is increasing, with 63% of large companies, 30% of mid-sized businesses and 6% of small business employing a workplace volunteering program.. Almost 90% of large businesses reported allocating more resources to encourage more of their workforce to volunteer. Of large businesses, 72% reported granting paid time to employees for volunteer work.
Volunteers are motivated to volunteer by a personal belief in a cause or issue and are driven to volunteer to make a difference. Formal volunteering contributed an estimated 743 million hours to the Australian economy in 2014 - an enormous benefit to the community. Volunteering Australia’s State of Volunteering in Australia report found that 46% of people have undertaken informal volunteering, predominantly by taking care of someone. The report also found 93% of volunteers saw positive changes as a result of their efforts.
For more info on volunteering opportunities at CPS, please log onto www.cps.org.au/volunteer
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INTERESTING FACTS • An estimated 932 million hours was volunteered in the past year. • Volunteering rates are highest among males aged 45-54 (302,612 men). • Volunteering rates are highest among females aged 35-44 (399,889 women).
Overall, the rates of volunteering are highest in the 45-54 year age group at 679,602 people. • Of those who volunteered, 87.4% also gave a charitable donation. • Research shows that for every dollar invested into volunteering yields a 450% return on investment. • Nationally, it is estimated the annual contribution of volunteers to the community is over $290 billion.
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What volunteering at CPS means to us Mentoring Mums Volunteer - Cathy Lane When I saw a local newspaper advertisement looking for volunteers to join the Mentoring Mums program 5 years ago I thought it was something I could do Wanting to know a little more information about Mentoring Mums, I attended the professional development training sessions provided by CPS. Soon after I became a volunteer with the program. I’ve been supporting the same mum and her three daughters since I began. Without family or a supportive partner, she desperately needs Mentoring Mums to cope and feels comfortable talking to me about any issues her or the family are facing. My ‘mum’ has shown great resilience and teaches her daughters that by working together and seeking support life can turn out positive. She’ll do anything to make her children’s life the best it can be. I was lucky to attend the 2016 NAPCAN Play Your Part Awards night. I felt very proud to be part of a program that actually won an award for assisting people who need extra support to battle tough times.
Pictured: Cathy Lane Mentoring Mums Volunteer
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About Mentoring Mums Mentoring Mums is an early intervention and prevention program working with vulnerable and expectant mothers. Mums who participate in the program come from diverse backgrounds and are experiencing a degree of social isolation and vulnerability. The Mentor works with mum to build a trusting and consistent relationship, visiting her at home and spending time getting to know her and her child. Mentors support mum in her parenting role and assists in connecting her to the community, encouraging access to health services, maternal and child health programs, parenting services and other community groups.
“It is perfect, particularly for people who don't have family. When you are isolated, it's that extra link you really need.� Emily Mum of Luke, Rebekah and Lucy
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Op-Shop Rosanna Volunteer Kathleen Marsh Having traveled both nationally and internationally in the corporate world, I have found the opportunity to volunteer locally for the Children’s Protection Society (CPS) to be a rewarding proposition, especially as a regular Op Shop customer for nearly 10 years. Volunteering at CPS has enabled me to make a positive impact in the community, gain new skills and experience and develop lasting friendships whilst being part of a fun team! It has been great to work with like-minded volunteers who are so enthusiastic, reliable, collaborative, positive and who take such a hands-on approach. With my background in scheduling resources as a project manager, plus my experience working with a number of charitable business support teams, I’ve been able to use my rostering expertise to effectively and efficiently schedule volunteers. In addition to scheduling resources, my voluntary work at CPS has included supporting team members, the creation and updating of internal displays, meeting and serving wonderful customers, encouraging repeat business, and general support of CPS. Together with all the volunteers, I’ve contributed to the overall efficient running of the store, assisted in developing a great experience for valued customers and helped make our store look great! I believe in the importance of giving back to the local community through support of organisations such as CPS. Not only has volunteering enriched my own life, it has also helped enhance the lives of others, especially the less advantaged members of our society - a reward all of its own.
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Our retail op-shop is the perfect place to pick up a bargain. We sell clothing, accessories, books, bric-abrac and small furniture and every dollar raised in our retail op-shop is invested back into innovative and early intervention programs for children and families who need our help. The CPS op shop raises significant funds to support the work we do in the community. A: 43 Beetham Parade, Rosanna Victoria Trading Hours Mon - Fri 10.30am - 4.30pm Sat 10.00am - 1.30pm Sun Closed
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5th Annual Kieser Charity Golf Day for CPS 10 | making kids lives better
An early tee-off didn’t deter a record number of participants at the 5th Annual Kieser Charity Golf Day staged on 20 April at Yarra Yarra Golf Club. And once the fog lifted the majestic course was bathed in stunning Autumn sunshine. Nearly 30 groups participated in the fun (and forgiving) Ambrose format where teammates work together to achieve a single score on each hole by playing from the best shot each stroke. The Eziway Salary Packaging sponsored ‘Get on the Green’ hole proved popular. Players paid $10 to be in a draw to win half the prize pool provided they land on the ‘dance floor’ of the course’s trickiest par 3 (a feat managed by a quarter of the field). Winner Hamish epitomized the spirit of the day by graciously donating back his considerable winnings. Further funds were also raised via players buying ‘mulligans’ and a raffle, plus the big auction held at lunchtime. Auctioneer and MC Mark McKeon was in fine form, especially when playing the role of interviewer and interviewee in presenting the overall winners trophy to his own group! Amid Mark’s antics, CPS CEO Aileen Ashford shared insights into the Caring Dads program, including a moving video on what the programs has done for fathers. CPS would like to thank the following: Sponsors and donors; Kieser, Brighton BMW, Eziway Salary Packaging, Anglesea Golf Club, Alliance Promotions, Justice Bernard Murphy, Chairman’s Club, Channel 9: The Footy Show, George Lawlor Nike, Green Acres Golf Club, Hi Living Richmond, Marriner Group, MSO, Justice Mordy Bromberg, Travis Harrison, Westin Hotel and Yarra Yarra Golf Club Volunteers Jeanette Finegan, Paul Finegan, Lynden Hayes and Sheryl Paton Organising Committee Rory Alexander, Jill Kaufman, Steph Klein, Carlo Gigante and Leonie McNicol
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child safe Training Courses Each year our experienced Professional Development & Education trainers deliver hundreds of training courses across Corporate, Community & Incorporated Associations sectors. These evidence-based, best-practice workshops are interactive, engaging and will develop your knowledge in preventitive practices and working with children and young people who’ve experienced abuse and trauma. In terms of personal or workforce professional development, we fully appreciate there is a wide range of training providers to choose from. Our point of difference is you can rest assured 100% of any profit we make is reinvested into the child-centred services delivered by CPS, all of which inform our content and authority as experts in early intervention and support for vulnerable children and families.
Managing Sexually Harmful Behaviours: Safe and Supported
JUNE
05
This one day course will enable workers to identify young people who are engaging in sexually harmful behaviours and develop strategies to help manage the behaviours. Workers will also learn to address the issue of caring for young people who have caused sexual harm and to feel empowered and confident in managing sexualised behaviours in their setting. Book this CPS training at www.cps.org.au/SAFE
Creating Safer Organisations: Implementing the Child Safe Standards
JUNE
13
This course develops participants’ confidence in having the requisite skills to create a child-safe organisation. Each of the relevant child safety standards s covered in-depth and participants will be able to devise an action and implementation plan to address the standards. Participants will also receive an innovative self-assessment audit tool to ensure they are continually improving and embedding a child safe culture within their organisation. Book this CPS training at www.cps.org.au/CHILDSAFE
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Tax Time an opportune time to donate With the end of the financial year fast approaching, now is an opportune time to consider making a donation in support of the important work that the Children’s Protection Society performs in the community. Eligible donations of $2 or more are fully tax deductible. For more information visit the ATO website or contact your tax adviser. To donate Visit: www.cps.org.au/winter 13 | making kids lives better
get involved Donate
Partner with us
Volunteer
You can help vulnerable members of the community by making a donation, supporting a campaign, a bequest or by starting your own social fundraising page for CPS to help keep our essentials services going.
We are always looking for ongoing opportunities for support from the wider corporate and business community. This might be a regular donation, business services, workplace giving or skilled workplace volunteering.
People of all ages, from a variety of cultural backgrounds, with various life and work experiences, and who have sometime available, are encouraged to become a volunteer with us.
donate online Help us bring warmth this winter, to donate to our Winter Appeal online please visit
www.cps.org.au/winter or, donate to any of our other campaigns please visit www.cps.org.au/campaigns
donate by mail Children’s Protection Society, 273 Settlement Road Thomastown VIC 3074. Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
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