Goodstart North Ryde celebrated National Pyjama Day 2026 differently this year, with their preschool children taking their fundraising efforts beyond the centre and into the local community.

Passionate about supporting children in foster care, the preschoolers took to the metro station to fundraise and raise awareness for the cause. Before heading out into the community, they stepped into the kitchen to bake cookies as a way to say thank you to their supporters.

Then it was time to be brave.

“When an educator first suggested taking our efforts to a public place, we weren’t sure how the families would react,” Early childhood teacher and educational leader Abigail Han said.

While the children were understandably shy facing their daunting task, their educators prompted them to remember what they had practised.

“The older children boldly stepped up, proudly offering their homemade cookies and calling out the words we had practiced - "Please donate money for children in foster care!”.

As the children found their confidence, a particularly special moment unfolded.

A mother, grandmother and young child noticed the children fundraising and offering their homemade cookies. The child asked what the pre-schoolers were doing, and “watching that mother explain the cause before making a donation was unforgettable. It was a beautiful reminder that our children's small, brave steps can ripple outward—raising awareness and passing the spirit of empathy directly to the next generation,” said Abigail.

The moment was a powerful example of how children can inspire others through their own actions, while learning about kindness, empathy and the importance of giving back to their community.

This year’s National Pyjama Day was definitely one to remember, and it was a beautiful way for preschoolers to learn about making a difference in the lives of others.

"Stepping outside our centre took our children on an incredible journey from hesitation to pure confidence. Watching them stand tall at the station—using their voices to help other kids and bravely encouraging strangers to donate—was one of the proudest moments of our year. It showed all of us that you are never too small to make a meaningful difference." Abigail Han (Early Childhood Teacher & Educational Leader)