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How about that sun, gang? Here in Sydney, the weather is heating up and we’re finally copping a little slither of sunlight to get us in the mood for summer. This week, we’ve soaked it up, hitting the town for a string of festive events and activations courtesy of the people behind SXSW, but things aren’t over yet. In an effort to keep the vibes high and the energy at a fever pitch, we’re coming at you with another instalment of Feel-Good Friday. Get excited.
Fairy Bread Day is Coming Up!
In Australia, Fairy Bread is a rite of passage. The delicious combination of sugary-sweet 100s & 1000s and low-budget margarine spread across the plainest white bread you can find is undeniable. It was, in no uncertain terms, the best part of being a kid and now, you get to relive those joyous memories. On Sunday, 2 November 2024, National Fairy Bread Day kicks off, encouraging Aussies around the country to dig deep, eat up and raise much-needed funds for children in need.
This year’s event again sees Melbourne-based confectionery manufacturer, Dollar Sweets, team up with charity partner The Pyjama Foundation. Throughout November, Dollar Sweets will donate 10 cents from every sale of its 100s and 1000s sprinkles to support The Pyjama Foundation, supporting the organisation’s goal of providing educational and emotional support. The foundation’s volunteer mentors, known as a Pyjama Angel from their ‘Love of Learning Program,’ spend one hour per week with the children to read, write, and draw. The guidance helps build their confidence and life skills, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Last year, the initiative raised $34,917.20 and welcomed 23 new mentors into The Pyjama Foundation’s ‘Love of Learning Program’. This year, the duo is setting its sights even higher, striving to make an even more significant impact on the lives of foster children and provide them with the love and care they deserve.
“In Australia, every hour, two vulnerable children enter the care system,” Bronwyn Sheehan OAM, Founder and CEO of The Pyjama Foundation. “Your generous support allowed us to match 23 vulnerable children with their own life-changing Pyjama Angel mentor last year. A huge thank you to Dollar Sweets and the Australian community for supporting children in foster care through Fairy Bread Day.”
To donate, sign up or get involved with the Aussie-born charity initiative, visit the Fairy Bread Day donation page and help support kids in need!
Melbourne’s Dog & Cat Lovers Festivals Return
After a sold-out event in 2022, the Cat Lovers Festival is making its long-awaited return to Melbourne this October, alongside the much beloved Dog Lovers Festival. Set to kick off in its new home at the Melbourne Showgrounds, the reinvigorated program promises to deliver a fiesta of feline activities, from a brand-new WHISKAS Kitty Corner, the return of an even bigger Championship Cat Show, a sprawling kitty supermarket and of course, a dedication adoption zone.
“We are thrilled to return to Melbourne at our exciting new venue, the Melbourne Showgrounds,” festival founder, Jason Humphris said. “Building on the success of our 2022 event, we couldn’t wait to arrive with our expanded program, and with our allocation of early bird tickets selling out in less than 72 hours, it’s clear that Melburnians share our enthusiasm! We encourage all kitty fans to purchase their tickets quickly online to avoid missing out on the ultimate pet lovers weekend.”
On the canine side, festival-goers can be entertained by dancing dogs and fur-shion models in the Optimum DOGWALK, explore the ultimate doggie destinations at the Dog-Friendly Travel Hub and see mini dogs under 30cm tackle 15cm jumps in a race celebrating the charm and agility of shoe-sized dynamos.
The Melbourne Cat Lovers and Dog Lovers Festivals are on Saturday, 26, and Sunday, 27 October 2024, from 9:30am to 5pm at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale. Cat enthusiasts who also love dogs will receive FREE entry Dog Lovers Festival running next door (albeit in its own dedicated, cat-free venue). You can book tickets via the link below.
OneAnother ‘Do Good, Feel Good’ Ball
This ain’t your grandaddy’s charity ball. On Saturday 9 November, tech platform OneAnother.io is hosting the ‘Do Good, Feel Good’ Ball, a charity initiative that focuses on connection and pledging time, not money. The one-night-only event brings together good humans for an evening of live music, all-inclusive delicious food, drinks, good vibes and organic human connection.
Described as a ‘kindness marketplace’, OneAnother.io aims to connect members with people in their community who are struggling and need support. The platform provides access to volunteering opportunities that match their values and passions.
With the ‘Do Good, Feel Good’ Ball, OneAnother.io is highlighting the significant contributions of grassroots charities such as ReLove, Take 3, and Kids Giving Back. Discover how our work with corporates brings culture, purpose, and values back to the forefront. Plus, hear directly from our charities about how your help directly impacts the lives of many in need.
The OneAnother.io ‘Do Good, Feel Good’ Ball takes place on Saturday 9 November from 7pm – 12am at Establishment Ballroom in Sydney. Limited Early Bird tickets are priced at $180, with the final release from $190 (beer, wine, and canapés included from 7-11pm).
