High tea raises funds for vulnerable women

A high tea for the Farm at Galong has raised crucial funds for the work of the program, chief executive Kate Cleary said.

The Farm was created to assist women and children who had fallen into addiction and domestic violence, and to break the intergenerational cycle of interpersonal trauma.

The inaugural fundraiser, held today at St Thomas More’s in Campbell, gathered 70 attendees together to share food and friendship.

“The funds received from the high tea will go towards treatment costs for clients including parenting therapy, psychology sessions, training in financial management, and trauma counselling,” Kate said.

“The clients of the Farm are among some of the most vulnerable in our community – mothers with children unable to be in their care due to the life-depleting circumstances they have experienced.”

Kate said a society could be judged on the condition of its most vulnerable members – often women and children.

“These are the modern-day widows and orphans who need intensive professional care and assistance,” she explained.

“They lack most essentials things, but in particular they lack families and family life as it is normally experienced.”

Kate said the event also offered a chance for the clients to be involved.

 

“Clients assisted in serving the high tea itself,” she said.

“That’s what makes this a bit different. It is the clients’ way of saying thanks.”

Kate said it was a wonderful day, with all those in attendance engaged with the client presentation.

“There were many good questions,” she said.

“Many commented on how unknown the problem was. The client testimony that was read out clearly affected many of the guests – both because of the extreme trauma described and the successful recovery she has now made with a job and her children now all returned to her care.”

A final blessing on those who came and on the work of the Farm was given by Fr Emil Milat, Parish Priest of St Thomas.

“We also gave thanks to the many people who assisted in organising the day, including the team from Aspen Medical who worked hard all day preparing and serving the food, and all those who donated crockery and helped with the cooking and setting up of the hall,” Kate said.