PJs to show they care

THE Tewantin Commonwealth Bank branch staff stayed in their PJs on Friday 22 July to show support for The Pyjama Foundation’s work with children in foster care.
Branch staff said they loved staying comfy all day in their PJs and selling cupcakes to raise money for the Pyjama Foundation. Pyjama Foundation pens are also available for sale in the branch and will remain on sale until the end of July.
Pyjama Day brings much-needed attention to the important work of the Pyjama Foundation, which offers a one-on-one mentoring program to children in foster care who desperately need assistance with reading, writing and building confidence.
In Australia, there are more than 46,000 children currently living in foster care, 75 per cent of who are unlikely to finish school.
The Pyjama Foundation’s literacy and numeracy programs are designed to try and reverse this trend.
Branch manager Lauren Browne said it might feel strange staying in her PJs all day, but it’s worth it to help raise funds and awareness for the Pyjama Foundation.
“We are delighted to support this amazing foundation and the work they do with kids in foster care and we hope the local community get behind this great cause by coming into the branch and making a donation,” she said.
The Pyjama Foundation founder and executive director Bronwyn Sheehan said by offering mentors to children, who visit them once a week to help them with their homework, literacy and numeracy, the foundation is helping them get a step closer to achieving their dreams.
“I am surrounded by fantastic volunteers, who are so committed to the child they visit,” she said.
“A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that every child who winds up doing well has had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult. For many foster kids, their Pyjama Foundation mentor is that person.
“We’d like to thank the Tewantin Commonwealth Bank branch staff for supporting Pyjama Day and helping us to raise much needed funds so we can continue to support kids in care.”