With over 2,000 children living away from home across the south west region, the Pyjama Foundation is determined to make a difference in their lives.

Pyjama Foundation CEO Bronwyn Sheehan said that volunteers known as ‘Pyjama Angels’, are screened, trained, recruited and then matched with a child living in foster care.  Together, they spend an hour a week reading books aloud, playing educational games and engaging in fun activities. 

“The Love of Learning Program was developed by the Foundation to empower children in foster care with learning, life skills and confidence with the aim of changing the direction of their lives,” Mrs Sheahan said.  

“A Pyjama Angel’s role is to provide consistent love and support, and most importantly, instil a love of learning in children,” she said. 

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki thanked the Foundation and community volunteers for their work supporting vulnerable children.

“Prior to entering the foster care system many of these children have missed out on stable, positive, and healthy family relationships,” Mr Janetzki said.

“Research indicates that their health, learning and emotional well-being will have suffered in comparison to their peers,” he said.

In Toowoomba, there are 73 children living away from home being supported by the Pyjama Angels, but with 34 children on the waiting list the Pyjama Foundation needs help to continue supporting vulnerable children in the region. 

“Our local coordinator has always worked from home in the region, with resources for our volunteers spread between multiple locations,” Mrs Sheahan said. 

“As we grow, a new home that includes both office space and a dedicated space to house our resources which can be accessed by our volunteers would be an incredible asset,” she said.    

Mr Janetzki asked that any community members looking to support this life-changing work visit www.thepyjamafoundation.com or call Janice in his electorate office on 4602 3100.