Communities at Christmas

Canberra: Karinya House

Every woman who is pregnant or parenting a baby should be surrounded with the support she needs during this important time. However, not every woman has shelter, stability or support. Some may be at risk of violence, experience homelessness or be completely isolated.

For 23 years, Karinya House has provided immediate support for women who are pregnant or have new babies and have nowhere else to turn. They provide safe housing, casework, support services, health professionals and practical assistance during pregnancy and birth, together with connections to health, welfare, legal, educational and financial services.

This year as a result of COVID, Karinya House has received an overwhelming number of women seeking services to assist with stress, isolation, domestic and family violence and accessing material goods. During this time Karinya House has remained focused and flexible in their approach to ensure their services continued to be as effective, responsive and impacting on the lives of women at Karinya House.

Karinya House has been a recipient of Maddocks funding programs since 2017.

Sydney: The Haymarket Foundation

The Haymarket Foundation was established in 1974 to provide basic healthcare to Sydney’s homeless. The Foundation provides a safe place for people in crisis, supports people transitioning into long-term accommodation, and provides a range of supportive environments throughout each individual’s journey.

Most of The Foundation's services have experienced an increased demand, with the pandemic proving particularly difficult for some clients with mental health and drug and alcohol issues. Many tenants required additional support, due to unemployment as a result of the economic climate.

COVID has led to significant alterations to all services. Residents in crisis accommodation were moved to hotel accommodation to increase social distancing, and The Foundation has used the opportunity as a chance to build the living skills of its clients who have yet to be housed.

The Foundation's services have not only survived, but have also developed as a result of COVID, and are trialling a specialist GP service for the community.

The Haymarket Foundation has been a partner of Maddocks form 10 years and has been a recipient of The Maddocks Foundation grant.

Melbourne: Wheels in Motion

Wheels in Motion are changing the disability narrative by breaking down outdated stereotypes and myths, as well as raising funds to help those in financial need access crucial services and equipment.

The organisation exists to improve the quality of life for those living with spinal cord injuries. Wheels in Motion works closely with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) and NeuroMoves to find suitable candidates for support.

Each year the organisation holds an annual fundraiser, however this year the event has been postponed until such a time as is legal. This has led to 90% of its fundraising revenue stream being removed this year.

The organisation has pivoted as a result of COVID to introduce #MoveFM 2020. Friends of Wheels in Motion will be hosting remote fundraisers, with Wheels in Motion streaming thanks to iHeartRadio.

Wheels in Motion has been a recipient of the Maddocks Small Grants Program since 2016.