Serious fun, big impact: Affinity Education raises thousands for charities during National Pyjama Week

Affinity Education Group’s early childhood services have once again combined community spirit with creative fundraising, raising thousands of dollars for charities during July’s National Pyjama Week.

Centres across Australia selected causes close to their hearts, hosting bake sales, dress-up days and other activities to engage families and children. Adding extra motivation, CEO Tim Hickey pledged to personally match the top fundraising centre’s donation in each state.

• NSW: Papilio Castle Hill – McGrath Foundation – $1,633 (CEO matched)
• VIC: Milestones Cranbourne North – Pyjama Foundation – $1,277 (CEO matched)
• ACT: Papilio Bruce – Pyjama Foundation – $558 (CEO matched)
• QLD: Milestones Stanthorpe – Pyjama Foundation – $669 (CEO matched)
• WA: All WA centres – Operation Sunshine WA – $1,500 (CEO matched)
• NT: All NT centres – Foodbank SA/NT – $1,000 (CEO matched)

Recognising the people behind the impact

Affinity Education also paid special tribute to Centre Manager Zoe Aubry from Papilio Early Learning Hunters Hill in NSW. Over the past five years, Zoe has helped broaden Pyjama Week into a national fundraising initiative that educators, children, and families look forward to each year. Her leadership has encouraged centres to support causes personally meaningful to their communities, resulting in donations to eight additional charities alongside the Pyjama Foundation this year.

At Papilio Early Learning Castle Hill in NSW, Senior Centre Manager Ellie Sharkey, Centre Manager Ryan Crimi, and their team have previously raised funds for the Pyjama Foundation. This year, they chose to support the McGrath Foundation in honour of Miss Shannon, an educator who has been part of the centre for more than three years and is currently undergoing treatment for Stage 2 breast cancer.

“When Affinity invited us to choose our own charity this year, we jumped straight on the McGrath Foundation to support a cause that related to what Miss Shannon was experiencing,” Ellie said.
“Our families’ response was overwhelming. When Miss Shannon visited during Pyjama Week, it was so special to see the joy it brought to families knowing their support was making a difference.”

The Castle Hill community’s efforts paid off; they became the top NSW fundraiser, with Affinity matching their $1,633 total, bringing their overall contribution to more than $3,200 against an initial goal of $500.

Fun, spirit, and community connection

In Victoria, Milestones Early Learning North Cranbourne Centre Manager Debra Wallace celebrated being among Affinity’s top fundraisers for the second consecutive year. Their $1,277 donation to the Pyjama Foundation was matched by Affinity.

“I think our team and families get behind Pyjama Week so strongly because we make such a big and fun deal of it,” Debra said.
“They can’t resist the spirit, and we all know the funds are going to a really good cause. We have such good-hearted people here, and it was a blast this year.”

One of this year’s newest charity partners, Operation Sunshine WA, supports women and children displaced by family and domestic violence or in the care of child protection services.

Chairperson Leah Atkinson said many arrive in crisis with “no more than the clothes on their backs” and need essentials that provide both comfort and dignity. WA State Manager Kerri Kyte, with support from Area Manager Kylie Grant and Operations Manager Dawn Marrell, coordinated all WA centres as collection points for “Sunshine Packs” backpacks filled with clothing, toiletries, and comfort items.

Thanks to donations from families and educators, 50 complete Sunshine Packs were assembled and delivered, alongside extra supplies including nappies, towels and baby blankets.

From supporting breast cancer research in NSW to providing resources for children in care in Victoria, Affinity’s initiatives are as much about connection as they are about donations.

“Our teams created collection baskets in their foyers and led donation drives within their services,” Ms Kyte said. “As a state we managed to create 50 Sunshine Pack backpacks, and we really enjoyed connecting for such an important cause.”

While this year’s National Pyjama Week has concluded, Affinity Education Group encourages ongoing support for these charities, which include Operation Sunshine WA, The Pyjama Foundation, McGrath Foundation, Foodbank SA/NT, and others.

As Affinity puts it: when serious fun meets serious heart, the potential for positive change is limitless.