Donations help ‘Angels’ deliver a love of learning

More than $3,600 in donations collected during Council’s last two green waste disposal periods in 2023 have been presented to The Pyjama Foundation.

Residents taking advantage of Council’s free green waste disposal periods in August and November were encouraged to make a voluntary gold coin donation to support the organisation.

The Pyjama Foundation was created to provide children in care with opportunities, to create positive relationships, and instil a love of learning.

Volunteer 'Pyjama Angel' mentors provide one-on-one support to children in care by visiting them once a week to empower them with learning, life skills and confidence to reach their full potential.

Since 2004, more than 11,000 children in care have spent more than 1 million hours with volunteer mentors, who work tirelessly and lovingly to empower those children.

The Pyjama Foundation founder and CEO Bronwyn Sheehan OAM, said funds raised through the free green waste disposal initiative will support the work of The Pyjama Foundation in Cairns.

“The Pyjama Foundation’s Programs are offered to children in the community living in foster care with the aim of achieving positive life outcomes for these young people through learning, life skills and confidence,” Ms Sheehan said.

“Most importantly, these volunteer Pyjama Angels give foster children a chance to reach their life potential, despite a fragile start.”

Voluntary donations, from over 11,000 vehicles, were collected at the gate of each of Cairns Regional Council’s waste transfer stations during the free green waste drop-off periods.

About 1,100 tonnes of green waste was dropped off during the August free disposal period (19-27 August), with $1,612.40 collected in donations.

During the November free disposal period (18-26 November), almost 1,600 tonnes of green waste was dropped off at the waste transfer stations, with $1,997.50 collected in donations.