Our stories

Charlie* is in custody at Parklea and is dearly missing his 4-year-old daughter Amelia*.

Before he was incarcerated, Amelia and Charlie would read together every night at bedtime.

He approached SHINE for Kids and asked if he could take part in our Storytime program to help make Amelia’s time without him a little easier.

When our team called Amelia’s mum Vikki* about the book and recording of Charlie reading it they would soon receive, Vikki was very moved.

She told us the story would be appreciated as Amelia was having a difficult time without her dad, and bedtime was especially heartbreaking as that was always a special time they shared.

We also invited the family to participate in our Birthday Program, which was great timing as Amelia’s milestone 5th birthday was the following month!

“Amelia will be so happy to receive a gift from her dad. She will treasure it!”, Vikki said.

Charlie was also grateful he could now be involved in his daughter’s birthday.

Even though he wouldn’t be there in person, he could still let her know he was thinking of her and wanted to be part of milestones in her life.

While our team were working with Charlie and his family, Vikki told us she was nervous about her first visit to see him coming up.

A SHINE for Kids team member arranged to meet her on the day and take her through the process of RAT testing, completing forms, processing and to the visiting area.

Our team also passed on the special package with the Storytime book and recording and birthday present so Vikki would be able to bring home the most precious gifts for Amelia, directly from dad with love.

Thank you to Dymocks Children’s Charities for funding Storytime

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