It’s almost the end of this financial year already. You have only a few weeks left to reduce your tax liability by making tax-deductible donations before June 30, 2019.

As you consider a variety of worthy causes, please spare a thought for many innocent kids who often pay the price of their parents’ misuse of alcohol or other drugs. You can imagine the impact this can have on their confidence and wellbeing.

At Holyoake, we reach out to these kids and their parents through our free Art & Play Program. Our aim is to build secure child-parent relationships. Read about one Mum’s experience below.

Every donation over $2 to Holyoake is tax-deductible and will help us reach out to more kids like Andy*. Please click here to donate.

Thank you for your support.

*Name and image changed to protect identity.

My son is finally enjoying
the childhood he so deserves

Looking back, I felt that no one was really there for me, someone I could trust and confide in. That’s why I turned to drugs to fill the gap.  Unfortunately that was not the answer and only made the situation worse.

The biggest loser was my little son with whom I lost that beautiful mother-child bond. I was too absorbed in my own addictions to devote quality time to him.

Finally I turned to Holyoake for help, and attended the Art and Play Program with my son. From the very beginning we felt so much at home. We were gently guided by our Counsellor to laugh and enjoy each other again.

We enjoyed the activities in the sessions. We began to trust one another and experienced the joy and love of the parent-child interaction – that is, unconditional love.

I think Art and Play is so helpful for parents to get the connection back with their children.  I’m so grateful for the care and compassion at Holyoake. I now have my son living with me full time. A year ago he never received a merit certificate at school because of his behaviour, now he is proud to have two! I think he is finally enjoying the childhood he so deserves.

Read more about our programs.