Dear Friends and Supporters of the Cornucopia Committee,
What a year 2020 has been, with massive changes to all our lives and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
COVID-19 has dramatically changed the environment in which children, young people and families live. Not all children and young people are safe at home. Families are facing disruption, uncertainty, financial and psychosocial stress. More children and young people are at risk of harm as families struggle to cope. The safety and wellbeing of these children is an important part of the Child Protection Units work by reducing risks, healing trauma in providing services to make a real difference to their health and their lives. Our committee, like every other charity, is unable to hold functions to secure funds to give to the Child Protection Units who are committed to helping these traumatised children.
We do, however, have some positive and happy news to report, and want to thank you all for assisting in making this happen.
Above is Herbie. On the July 17 the committee was invited to a special event at Royal North Shore Hospital to celebrate Herbie’s first year as an Animal Assisted Therapy Dog. After starting life as a Guide Dog Herbie decided that he would much prefer a more social working life and has now joined the team at the Child Protection Unit at the hospital, helping to comfort and bring much joy to patients and staff alike. There is much envy throughout the hospital, and many requests for Herbie to extend his therapy sessions to other departments. There is also great interest at other hospitals in acquiring a “Herbie” for themselves. We were gratified to see that the Cornucopia Committee was acknowledged for making this project possible, and received many thanks for our continuing contributions. If you would like to see more about Herbie click on the below link.
Herbie 1st year anniversary.pdf
Since we cannot hold functions at the moment we are wondering if, in lieu of attending a lunch or Race Day, our loyal supporters would like make a donation which would enable us to continue supporting the essential work of the Child Protection Units, and the Child Abuse Prevention Service. (CAPS). This could be specifically for the purchase of another Therapy Dog, or for general distribution. We do not have overheads, so actual Donations can be passed on directly. Funds can be transferred to our bank account, and a tax deductible receipt will be issued. Please contact Sue Beston at 0410 423 437 for details.
Let’s hope we can get back to fundraising soon so that we can donate more to these hardworking Child Protection teams. Child Protection Week is 6th – 12th September. Can you help us make this a more meaningful occasion by donating what you can so that we have funds to distribute at the end of the year?
Our very best wishes to all our friends, from Maureen Thornett, President, and the Cornucopia Committee
Together we can make a difference
