This Mother’s Day, Mission Australia is encouraging families and Mums to celebrate in their pyjamas to raise funds to support homeless families and those facing tough times through the coronavirus crisis.
By spending the day in pyjamas – the preferred pandemic outfit of many – loved ones can join Mission Australia’s Mothers in Pyjamas initiative to fundraise for the charity.
The organisation suggests Zoom pyjama parties and PJ-clad Skype calls or FaceTime sessions for the whole family to get involved and give their Mums the ultimate gift of love and hope for another family in need.
“Mother’s Day will certainly look different for all of us this year in the age of physical distancing,” Mission Australia Chief Executive James Toomey said.
“But as many isolate at home, so many of us can’t truly understand what it’s like to be homeless, particularly during this pandemic.
“Our Mothers in Pyjamas fundraising experience is an opportunity for everyday families and individuals to connect in quirky and memorable ways, while also extending care and generosity to those who are vulnerable and who may not have a safe place to call home.
“It’s a great way to get the family involved in a unique but heart-warming Mother’s Day gift that makes a difference, while also giving Mum and the whole family a reason to stay in pyjamas all day.”
He added that homelessness rates are rising and set to increase due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Rental stress, growing unemployment rates and a shortage of social and affordable homes make this a critical time to support charities on the frontline, like Mission Australia.
“As a charity with a focus on reducing homelessness and strengthening communities, we are very concerned about the impact of this public health crisis on people and families who are homeless or who are at risk of being pushed into homelessness,” he said.
“More needs to be done to ensure that people are looked after, safely and appropriately housed and are able to receive support from the community services they need.
“We’d love for as many children (young and old), mums, dads, carers, uncles, aunties, grandparents and friends as possible to partner with us in our ultimate goal of ending homelessness by participating in a virtual pyjama party for Mother’s Day this year.
“When you donate to Mission Australia, you’re investing a seed of hope in the lives of those who are homeless or vulnerable in our community.”
For more information or to donate visit Mission Australia’s website.
For more stories like this:
