This Christmas, give children like Ava the chance to thrive
“It’s priceless. Knowing how good it was and the impact they had on our family.
CatholicCare gave us support at exactly the right time, and it’s made all the difference.”
– Paul
Will you reach out and support a family in need?
That was the case for Paul* and his daughter Ava*.
Ava is a bright, cheeky little girl who loves riding her motorbike, playing with her dogs, and filling the house with her laughter. But behind her sunny personality, Ava was facing big emotions she didn’t know how to handle.
At home, her outbursts became overwhelming—slamming doors, yelling at her parents, and sudden bursts of anger. With two different households, the situation was taking a toll on everyone.
Paul recalls:
“It was really affecting both households. We were getting fed up, but at the same time, we were all desperate to support her. It took such a mental toll.”
Donate to a struggling family
Ava’s parents knew she was hurting, but they didn’t know how to help.
With Rebecca*, one of our compassionate practitioners, Ava began counselling and play therapy. These sessions became the highlight of her week. For the first time, she started opening up about her feelings. Within weeks, Paul noticed a remarkable change.
“When Ava got home from school, she started talking about her feelings. This was all new. I saw the benefits within a month. Rebecca went above and beyond, even coming out to the house to show further support.”
Rebecca also guided the family through assessments that led to an ADHD diagnosis—something that would have taken months, even years, without CatholicCare’s help. With this breakthrough, Ava’s teachers better understand her needs, and she is thriving at school, making friends and growing in confidence.
Because of CatholicCare Victoria, and donors like you, Paul and Ava’s family have rediscovered hope. Your gift this Christmas will ensure no child has to wait for vital help.
Through your generosity, in 2024/25 we supported:
6,537 people received emergency relief to put food on the table or pay bills
1,771 people found healing and resilience through counselling
43% of our clients received help with family and relationship issues
More ways to donate
Three easy alternate ways to donate:
If you would like to donate by bank transfer or direct deposit, you can arrange the fund transfer to the below bank account.
Account Name: CatholicCare Victoria
BSB: 083 347
Account Number: 171 551 421
Please contact us by calling (03) 9967 2515 or emailing fundraising@catholiccarevic.org.au to let us know your name and details and we will arrange your tax-deductible donation receipt.
You can make donations by cheque and card through mail.
Send the cheque (made payable to ‘CatholicCare Victoria’) or your card details (MasterCard and VISA – Card number, Expiry date and Cardholder’s name and signature) to the below address.
CatholicCare Victoria
PO Box 196
East Melbourne VIC 8002
Please provide your name and contact details and we will send your tax-deductible donation receipt.
Call us on (03) 9967 2515 to make a donation using your card. Our office is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
