It’s National Volunteer Week, and we are celebrating the amazing work that volunteers do across Australia. Our Love of Learning Program would not exist without the dedication of volunteers both behind the scenes, and the incredible people that make up our Pyjama Angel community. Today, we’re proud to share the story of one of our amazing Pyjama Angels, Ethan*, who has been a Pyjama Angel since 2014. Ethan has mentored the same young man for 11 years being a safe, consistent and stable presence in his life for more than a decade.
Ethan has been visiting his young person, C*, since C was 6 years old. “I feel that I provide him with a regular caring presence in his life,” Ethan shared. The strong connection between Ethan and C means he has someone who cares for him dearly outside of his foster family and has a safe person to talk to.
“I hope I have added to his sense of security and stability,” Ethan said.
Having first heard about The Pyjama Foundation on the radio back in 2008, Ethan was eager to volunteer, but at that time, the program hadn't yet reached where he lived in Victoria. Fast forward to 2014, we managed to expand to Victoria and Ethan jumped at the chance to become a Pyjama Angel. He was inspired by the idea of helping foster children, especially by sharing stories with them. Understanding the big responsibility that foster caring involves, he felt that supporting a foster carer in any way he could would be incredibly beneficial.
When asked what his favourite memories of the journey are, Ethan’s answer was simple, “sharing stories by reading them aloud to each other over the years. Bonding over a story is a special thing.” Children in out-of-home care benefit from having a positive relationship independent of their carer or case workers, it helps them heal from past negative experiences, begin to trust again, and have confidence knowing there are multiple people around them that care for and support them. People like Ethan show just how significant of an impact being a Pyjama Angel can be.
This National Volunteer Week, and every week, we celebrate the dedication of Pyjama Angels like Ethan. The work Pyjama Angels do can be a lifelong commitment, and the special memories they create with a vulnerable child through sharing stories, playing a game and doing some craft has ripple effects far beyond what any of us could imagine.
Thank you, Ethan, for sharing your journey with us, your passion for helping a young person thrive is truly inspiring.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the child and Ethan.
