It takes a village (or a North Queensland town…)
PEOPLE need people. Especially during times of great hardship and adversity. As COVID-19 is a continued presence in Australia we continue to see more and more communities band together to create light from such darkness.
Annually, The Pyjama Foundation celebrates its biggest fundraising event, National Pyjama Day. This year, planning and preparation has looked so different for registrants as they work to make their events happen in and around government restrictions. However, one thing that hasn’t changed, is their fierce passion to support The Pyjama Foundations mission to make a difference to the lives of children in care.
Margaret Milani is a seasoned veteran as far as National Pyjama Day is concerned. Backed by her colleagues at The Commonwealth Bank and the wider Innisfail community, they have hosted the Innisfail Annual Pyjama Party for four years running.
Margaret says the support keeps growing each year. Margaret was confident that this year’s celebrations would defy all odds. “Due to the COVID crisis it has been easier than usual for people to see the benefits in having something like this in our community,” she said.
Teamwork was in full swing to get everything organized before the 24th of July. Margaret describing the process as ‘footwork’. With the help of her colleagues save the date flyers were created, the streets of Innisfail were walked to get business’ onboard and the locals were informed via social media.
There was overwhelming support from local business and their customers in and around the Owen St precinct. The Commonwealth Bank, Woolworths, Optus, the Mellick Homemakers Centre, Retreat Beauty salon and the Sapore Di Italia café were among the many passionate registrants. A true reflection of community spirit!
We warmly thank these businesses and their customers for their generous participation and contribution.
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about!” – Margaret J. Wheatley.
Margaret sees the opportunity to celebrate National Pyjama Day each year as way to unite and contribute to a cause that the community considers so special. “I cannot even begin to put into words how amazing it feels to help kids in your own community and to just be part of something bigger than yourself and your own problems.”
The 2020 Innisfail Annual Pyjama Party had its largest turnout yet, raising an outstanding $2,600! The Pyjama Foundation is so grateful for your continuous passion, enthusiasm and generosity. We just know 2021 will be bigger and better!