“Callum has been through a lot in his 12 years – disabilities, domestic violence, and the heart-wrenching sadness of feeling lonely and isolated at school every day.”

Callum was just 7 years old when his family came to Queensland to escape a volatile home environment.

But while the move was made with the best intentions, young Callum struggled settling into a new home, a new community and a new school environment.

Born with Down syndrome, he couldn’t speak and was frustrated that he couldn’t communicate with those around him.

Callum didn’t want to go to school. He wouldn’t get out of the family car. His mum, Terri, tried her best. Her heart broke every morning, having to leave her son at school, knowing the deep sadness he felt.

But Terri and Callum didn’t have to go through their struggles alone. Chappy Carly swept in and wrapped both Callum and Terri in a blanket of unconditional love and support. She was the unwavering friend Callum needed.

Chaplains like Carly are trained to serve in school communities to bring hope to children and young people like Callum and their families. But they can only do this with your support.

Please Donate

At the close of this financial year, will you give the gift of hope so children like Callum will always have a friend on their side?
Someone to show them unconditional love and support when they need it most.

So many children and young people need to feel supported in the schoolyard.

School chaplains should always be there to be that friend – a light in the darkness; to give hope to those who feel hopeless; to show love to those who feel lonely.

Help us raise $253,000 before June 30 because children like Callum need to know their chaplain will always be there for them.

“Chappy Carly just picked up the pieces… and he was in this safe place. He blossomed with her. Callum really had a place in her heart and vice versa,” mum Terri says.

Please Donate

Your tax-deductible gift will immediately be used to:

Train and equip new chaplains to support the social, emotional and spiritual needs of Queensland school communities;

Upskill more chaplains through training and resources to combat bullying and cyberbullying; and

Provide vital support for chaplains to remain in schools so they can support children like Callum..

Terri is so thankful that there was chaplain there for them, only thanks to the support of friends like you.

“(Callum) just wanted to go to Chappy Carly and I know it’s because he felt that acceptance. I knew that on the days he was going to see chappy, there was going to be this bright spot in his day where I knew he was loved and cared for.”

Please Donate

Your tax-deductible gift to school chaplaincy will help students through:

80

Anti-bullying programs

347

Social-Emotional Support programs

237

Mentoring and Role-modelling programs

Give where it’s most needed

ACN 009 669 569 | ABN 74 009 669 569
Registered Charity No. 1261. RTO 30548

Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the Scripture Union Australia and worldwide Scripture Union International communities.

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