Affinity Education Group network supports National Pyjama Day

Zoe Aubry, the 2IC from Papilio Early Learning Meadowbank, has been the driving force behind the Affinity Education Group’s support of National Pyjama Day, with all 190 centres across Australia participating in fundraising efforts.

Ms Aubry is encouraging local children, families and businesses to get involved and raise much needed funds for Australian children in foster care.

Her interest in children in the out of home care system has been shaped by her time working in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, as well as her studies toward a Bachelor of Social Work.

“Being able to give back by partnering with local organisations and families is something I’m really proud of,” she said.

Ms Aubry has now lent her support to National Pyjama Day which is officially held on 22 July. In previous years she has raised funds for the Pyjama Foundation by running activities at her centre in Meadowbank.

This year, she is leading a national effort across all of Affinity Education’s centres, setting an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 to support the work being done to support vulnerable children in foster care through a range of programs.

“We’ve had lots of success with raising funds in the past – including a viral video – so, why not see how far we can go this year?” she said.

The Pyjama Foundation, founded by 2009 Queensland Australian of the Year, Bronwyn Sheehan OAM, aims to create ‘positive relationships for every Australian child in care; empowering them with learning, life skills and confidence’.

“We are blown away by the generous support Zoe and Affinity Education have shown by getting behind our cause,” Ms Sheehan said.

“All funds raised through National Pyjama Day supports our Love of Learning Program and help to train up our amazing volunteers – our Pyjama Angels – each of whom are matched with a child in care and provide critical literacy, numeracy, life-skills and mentoring support,” she added.

Tori Robinson, State Manager for NSW and ACT at Affinity Education, said the Group is thrilled to be able to support this important cause again this year.

We see first-hand at our centres how access to high-quality education and a nurturing environment can change a child’s life for the better. We are so lucky to have passionate and driven educators like Zoe leading the way.”

Learn more about National Pyjama Day here.