We often talk about the magic that happens when a child in care is matched with a dedicated mentor; someone who reads with them, listens to them, and provides a steady presence in their ever-changing world. But just as important as these connections are the supporters who make them possible. This Donor Recognition Month, also known as Thankathon, we want to highlight one such supporter: The Ubuntu Foundation.
The word Ubuntu is South African, meaning "I am because you are" which speaks to the deep interconnectedness of humanity. It is this very philosophy that has inspired the Ubuntu Foundation’s generous support of our Pyjama Angels, the volunteers who dedicate their time to changing children’s lives.
A Chance Encounter that Sparked a Partnership
For Carolyn Vincent, founder of the Ubuntu Foundation, supporting The Pyjama Foundation in 2024 was not part of a grand strategy- it was an organic connection that began with a simple conversation.
"I was on a yoga retreat and one of the ladies there was a Pyjama Angel, and we went for a bush hike and as we were walking... I asked what do you do, and she told me one of the things she does is she was a Pyjama Angel, and I’d never heard of you. I said, ‘what’s that?’ And she explained it to me, and I thought it was a great idea."
That conversation stuck. When it came time to finalise the year’s philanthropic giving, Carolyn reached out to The Pyjama Foundation to offer the Ubuntu Foundation’s support.
Investing in Connection and Community
The Ubuntu Foundation’s support last year helped to fund our volunteer recognition program, the Pyjama Angel of the Year Awards. These events are held across the regions we operate in and are a celebration of the incredible work volunteer Pyjama Angels do every week. But they also serve as an opportunity to build stronger connections between the volunteers themselves. For Carolyn, this funding goes far beyond a single event, it aligns deeply with her personal passion for fostering strong relationships within nonprofit communities.
"One of my passions is to acknowledge volunteers on a regular basis through the year but also to create events where they get to connect with each other," Carolyn shared.
The idea of connection is not just theoretical—it is something Carolyn has lived.
"In India I grew up in community, in a neighbourhood where everyone pretty much knew everyone. I can proudly say I had 10 sets of parents and 10 sets of grandparents and over 100 brothers and sisters.”
This belief in the transformative power of strong, caring relationships made The Pyjama Foundation’s mission resonate so deeply with the Ubuntu Foundation’s values.
"I really believe that the more secure connections that children can have to as many adults, the more balanced, responsible adults we will be raising. The Pyjama Foundation provides a facility in the form of the Pyjama Angel which is one constant adult for a foster child that potentially gets moved from one home to the other and doesn’t necessarily have that constant connection... that’s what I really liked about the Pyjama Angels."
A Message to Future Donors: One Small Act Can Change the World
When asked what she would say to other people considering supporting The Pyjama Foundation, Carolyn’s answer is simple: "Children are the future."
Supporting The Pyjama Foundation isn’t just about helping individual children. It’s about creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond one person. Carolyn shared that “everything is interconnected,” so even small actions can have a significant impact. Every act of kindness and connection moves the world in a meaningful way.
Carolyn emphasises that collective efforts are incredibly powerful, but even one person stepping up to make a difference can create lasting change. A Pyjama Angel isn't just supporting one child - they are contributing to a greater movement that helps shape the future of many.
This Thankathon, we extend our deepest gratitude to Carolyn Vincent, the Ubuntu Foundation, and all our supporters who make this work possible. Your generosity ensures that more children in care have access to the stable, loving relationships they need to thrive.
After all, as Ubuntu reminds us, "I am because you are" and together, we can change lives, one connection at a time.
