GHD's young professionals support kids in care

GHD’s young professionals are throwing their support behind Townsville’s children in foster care, donating their prize from the recent Magnetic Island Adventurethon corporate challenge to the local branch of The Pyjama Foundation.

GHD, one of the world’s leading engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services companies, donated the Adventurethon prize - AUD3000 worth of radio advertising and public relations services courtesy of Sealink Magnetic Island, 106.3 FM and Harshmellow Pty Ltd – to the organisation to promote their ongoing activities in Townsville, Australia.

GHD’s Young Professionals organiser and civil engineer, Sarah Shelton, says the group also sponsored The Pyjama Foundation’s annual Kids in Care Christmas party and will be volunteering on the day to make sure all the kids are having fun.

“Christmas can be a very tough time for families and when children are in care at this time of year, it can be particularly stressful for them. It’s something that we feel quite passionate about as a group and we’re looking forward to being involved in The Pyjama Foundation’s Christmas event again this year,” Sarah says.

The Pyjama Foundation Townsville Coordinator, Melanie Vaughan, visited GHD as part of Mental Health Week to give an overview of the work the ‘angels’ do in supporting children in foster care and take part in a broader discussion about mental health awareness.

“The Pyjama Foundation’s Love of Learning Program involves matching community volunteers, called Pyjama Angels with a child in care. Pyjama Angels spend an hour a week reading books aloud to their child, playing educational games and helping with their homework. We currently have 70 Pyjama Angels in Townsville visiting and engaging children in fun learning activities,” Melanie says.

“Children in care are at risk of being left behind educationally but by improving their confidence and learning skills we are making a positive, life-long impact. The generous contribution made by GHD will go a long way to support the valuable work we do.”

GHD’s Townsville Manager, Clint Spencer, says GHD has a strong corporate social responsibility program and believed in working with organisations that make a difference to local communities.

“GHD is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. We operate a regionally diverse network of offices so that our people can live and work where they choose. Because of this, we have a vested interest in the Townsville region and creating lasting benefits for the community that we’re a part of,” he said.

You can find out more about The Pyjama Foundation at www.thepyjamafoundation.com