Connect and Grow Magazine: Issue 16: December 2024 - January 2025
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This month's feature is about a fantastic non-profit business making a massive difference in many people's lives.
I recently had the privilege to see first-hand some of the incredible work that Keely's Cause does at an event in Geelong, Victoria.
All about Keely's Cause
Keeley's cause was created in 2017 by Keeley then, age 13 years after her own personal journey with the inability to learn on curriculum without the use of technology, and with there being no government funding for children diagnosed with autism or intellectual disabilities of low socio-economic families to have iPads for their learning and communication clearly made her mission to bridge the gap and provide those iPads for children with disabilities across Australia.
Keeley's cause is a National charity.
Keeley has also won three international world awards for her work and several Australian awards, and she was recently named one of the top 50 small business leaders. In October 2024, Keeley was inducted into the Victorian Women's On Roll as the youngest recipient since 2001. She joined 730 other women in that role; it is an incredible achievement and well-deserved achievement!
Keeley's mission is to ensure every child living with a disability has the right to an inclusive education tailored to their individual learning needs and, more importantly, the opportunity to be someone despite their disabilities.
One of the things that stood out to me about how the team at Keeley's Cause works is the friendliness of everyone involved and their show-up on the day. This is in addition to the tireless work behind the scenes, including organising everything donated and how the community gets the toys and clothes to where the event occurs.
Being part of the event in Geelong showed me how grateful the families, including the children, were. As I walked around with families, showing them what was available, I heard so many different stories and experiences families were going through.
One mother shared with me how she has been unwell this year and is a single parent of two children living with autism; she was worried about being able to give to her children for Christmas this year, to be able to keep going, her sick leave run out two months ago and she is almost through her savings. She shared how she has never asked for help, but this year, she knew she needed help more than ever. As I listened to her story, I noticed how hard it was for her to accept what was available for her take on the day; however, with some gentle encouragement, she and her children left with some things that they needed, and the children were excited with their lego and other items.
With another family, the two children saw the books they were missing in their set. I encouraged them to get the two missing books. The young boy said, " I will take one; my sister could have the other!" I explained that they could both have the missing books, and he started to cry, saying, "Thank you so much; I love these books!"
Speaking with some of the other people who volunteered on the day, they shared similar stories of hardship and how, while they do need help, and I mean help, it was not easy for many people to accept.
When it comes to raising a child who has a disability, it is hard enough; some days are a real struggle, but there are also excellent and incredible days filled with love; however, you add to all of that the cost of living in today’s world ( 2024) and those challenges feel ever harder and heavier.
Keeley’s cause and days like this one in Geelong make life just that little bit easier, and sometimes in ways that no one will ever fully understand, as sometimes there are simply no words to describe the depth of gratitude many people feel.
It takes a Village….
It takes many people to make a day or an event a success, and this recent charity day was no different.
A local motorbike group joined the day and brought many motorbikes. The bike riders were happy to let the children sit on the motorbikes, and the smiles and laughter were terrific to see.
Keeley's cause is making a massive difference in the lives of many, and it is a great cause to get behind if you can.
To learn more, visit their website:
Written by
Jacqui Grant
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Disclaimer: Information is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change