A number of high profile Australian women from different walks of life are among the many generous people demonstrating their support for the Good Sams Foundation this year.
Last month Australia’s Governor-General, Her Excellency, Quentin Bryce, a long-time supporter of the Foundation and currently its Patron in Chief, was the principal guest speaker at the Foundation’s annual breakfast in Brisbane.
With her characteristic grace and poise, the Governor-General entertained and inspired her audience, speaking warmly of her association with the Good Samaritan Sisters and the vital work of the Foundation, particularly its programs for women and children escaping domestic violence. (Download the text of the Governor-General’s address here).
According to Foundation Business Manager, Sarah Fraser-O’Brien, the event exceeded all expectations, raising over $15,000 for two of the Foundation’s major projects, the Transitional Housing Program in Brisbane and The Good Samaritan Inn in Melbourne.
“The breakfast was a sell-out with 180 guests, most of whom had no prior relationship with the Good Sams before the morning,” explained Sarah.
“Those present left [the event] understanding and appreciating our history and important work in the community.”
Meanwhile, this week (May 17), Her Honour, Justice Margaret White of the Queensland Court of Appeal, will be guest speaker at a fundraising lunch in Brisbane for the Foundation.
Targeting the legal fraternity, this event has been organised to coincide with the eightieth anniversary of the historic judgement of the House of Lords, Donoghue v Stevenson, which established the modern concept of negligence in English law.
In her address, Justice White will focus on the relevance of biblical principles (including the story of the Good Samaritan) to the law of negligence in contemporary Australia, and the local roots of the leading judge in the case, Brisbane-born, Lord Atkin.
Later in June, legendary media editor, author and businesswoman, Ita Buttrose AO OBE, will be ‘MC’ and guest speaker at “Runways for Refuge”, the inaugural fashion parade for the Good Sams Foundation.
Sarah Fraser-O’Brien said the event will raise vital funds for the Foundation’s projects supporting women and children in crisis.
“Through the transitional housing projects and education courses, we aim to break the cycle of domestic violence by providing refuge, education and hope,” she said.
This event has been generously sponsored by a number of Brisbane fashion houses: Veuve Clicquot, Lady Lamington, Viviens Models, Frock Shop and the Emporium Hotel.
Another event on the Foundation’s calendar is a free, Family Fun Day on May 27 at John Scott Park in the Brisbane suburb of Samford.
“There will be plenty of free entertainment, colour and excitement,” said Sarah.
“Our objective is to celebrate the importance of harmony at home, celebrate young families and engage the community by providing many interactive activities.
“It’s also a forum where important resources and information can be made available. We are hoping to build awareness of the Good Sams Foundation and the Queensland Government’s Act as 1 campaign,” she said.
Now in its third year, Queensland’s Act as 1 campaign aims to challenge attitudes and behaviours that allow domestic and family violence to occur by urging everyday people to take action.
