Ten‑year‑old Mia* and her sisters arrived at Werin Medical Clinic with nothing but the clothes they’d been wearing for days.
Their home had been damaged by recent floods, forcing the family to move between emergency accommodation and support centres. They didn’t know where they would sleep each week – unable to settle or feel safe.
Brearna, a Health Practitioner at the clinic, met the children during one of their health assessments. She immediately noticed the small details: the same clothes worn visit after visit, the tiredness in their mum’s eyes. Brearna was also aware of their history of hardship and domestic violence long before the floods struck.
“They lost everything,” Brearna said. “These children are the sweetest little ones. I couldn’t imagine how hard it's been for them to go between all those places and not have a safe place to take them home to.”
She quietly gathered the two colourful Buddy Bags, filled with a teddy, toiletries, fresh PJs, comfort items and essentials, and gave them to the children after their appointment. The change on their faces was instant.
“Their eyes lit up,” Brearna said. “They felt a sense of happiness, a sense of security, a sense of belonging. It was something good in the middle of their storm.”
For a family constantly on the move, the Buddy Bags became a little piece of stability.
Mia and her sisters used their Buddy Bags for school, packed their toys inside for long car rides, and clung to the comfort items during restless nights.
Their mum was deeply grateful and relieved to have something practical, brand-new and comforting for her children during a challenging time.
Because of you, Mia and sisters felt a sense of joy, dignity and hope when they had lost everything. Thank you for helping them feel loved, valued and safe.
*This is a true account, but names have been changed to protect Mia and her sisters' safety and privacy.
