3 December 2025: Sunshine Coast business leaders rallied today to call on the Coast’s business community to get behind children impacted by domestic violence. A telethon kicked off the ‘Sunny Xmas for Kids’ campaign which seeks to secure 83 annual child sponsorships at $600 each, providing vulnerable children with practical support, stability, and the opportunity to heal.
Real estate company Town sponsored 10 children ahead of today’s launch – leaving 73 sponsorships still required to meet the $50,000 target.
The funds raised will support children who are escaping or living with the effects of domestic and family violence, homelessness or complex disadvantage – issues that, according to SunnyKids CEO, Kathleen Hope, are becoming increasingly visible across the region.
“Too many children on the Sunshine Coast are experiencing trauma that no child should ever have to face,” Hope said.
“Through our child sponsorship program, we can wrap the right support around a child and their family – from counselling and case management through to practical assistance – so they feel safe, supported and able to rebuild their lives.
“A $600 annual sponsorship helps provide a child with the stability and tailored support they need over the course of a year. By securing 83 sponsorships in a single day, we can change the trajectory for 83 local children and ensure they are not forgotten this Christmas.
“Today we made a huge dent in our target, but there is still more to get done – and together with the business leaders who stepped up today, we are calling on local businesses to consider sponsoring a child for the year – it’s a great way to give back to our community this Christmas,” added Hope.
SunnyKids’ child-centred model works in partnership with schools, community organisations and service providers to identify children at risk and connect them with coordinated support. The charity has seen growing demand for its services, with more families seeking help as cost-of-living pressures, housing stress and family violence continue to impact the region.
“Business leaders on the Sunshine Coast have always shown enormous generosity,” Hope said.
“Today we are asking them to consider sponsoring a child, or several children, and to be part of a collective response that will have immediate and lasting impact in our own backyard.”
To sponsor a child this Christmas, click here.
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About SunnyKids
SunnyKids provides essential support services to children and families experiencing domestic and family violence and hardship across the Sunshine Coast. Through an integrated support network, SunnyKids delivers life-saving programs that empower families, build resilience, and interrupt the cycle of violence before it takes place.
Each year, thousands of children and their families access SunnyKids services – from crisis accommodation and counselling to education and community support. Guided by the belief that “it takes a village to raise a child,” SunnyKids works tirelessly with local partners and communities to create safer, brighter futures for vulnerable young people.
For more information, visit www.sunnykids.org.au.
For more information, images and interviews please contact Heather or Jen at The Comms. People:
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
