The greatest gift

One of the joys of life is seeing a smile on a child’s face. Your gift today will help a child with a disability join StarJam – which means it’s really a gift of confidence, friends, fun and hope for the future. Can you think of a greater gift?

“We don’t know if your child will ever walk or talk”

If you’re a parent, these are words you don’t want to hear.

Merran Davis heard them when her daughter Tuscany was born. She heard them again as Tuscany missed the “normal” milestones new parents get so excited about: crawling, walking, and those precious names, “mummy” and “daddy”.

As Merran explains:

“The hardest thing was never knowing what Tuscany’s potential could be.”

Tuscany did eventually learn to walk. But as Tuscany grew other children wouldn’t give her their friendship. There were no invitations to birthday parties, play dates or sleep-overs. I can imagine Tuscany’s sadness as she tried to understand why she was being left out.

What price would you put on a child’s happiness?

Your gift today of $50 can restore happiness to a child like Tuscany by sending her to a StarJam workshop.

Donate now

Merran received Tuscany’s diagnosis at eight years old, as a ‘moderate intellectual disability’. This label was vital in helping Merran access community services, but even services do not guarantee happiness. Tuscany needed something to bring a spark of joy into her eyes.

Then Merran attended the Halberg Awards and saw an emotional performance from the kids of StarJam. Tuscany started attending one of our weekly dance workshops.

At first Merran was nervous of how Tuscany would cope at StarJam’s performance workshops. But at StarJam, she was unbelievably confident and she immediately made friends.

In joining StarJam our young ‘Jammers’ gain not only confidence, empowerment, new friends and new purpose. They find acceptance and unconditional love.

There is no other charity like StarJam. We’re different because we see our children as a resource for society, rather than users of resources.

You help overcome obstacles

It’s an emotional experience to watch a brave child like Tuscany take to the stage. In fact, it’s usually not only Mum who sheds a tear! I’m sure you’d also be moved by their unselfconscious joy and freedom as they dance.

I’ve heard it said they remind people of their own humanity.

A child like Tuscany who has had to overcome many obstacles gains respect from the audience and her performance spreads joy within us too. We’d love you to be a part of this joy with a gift today!

You, can put a smile on a child’s face, just like Tuscany. $50 will help send them to StarJam, which isn’t much when it means the world to that child.

Donate now

Tuscany’s first workshop was a year ago now, and there have already been some amazing changes. She is more confident in public. And she has shown a real connection with other people with disabilities.

Tuscany even took the hugely brave step to dance in front of an audience. As she left that stage she was beaming form ear to ear! Can you imagine the courage it took to do that?

You change a child’s life

Your gift today of $50 can change another child’s life like Tuscany’s. We have many children waiting to experience the magic of StarJam – your gift will shorten the queue. And the child you help will be so thankful to you for securing their place.

Donate now

Merran put’s this poignantly:

“Think about how you feel when you are singing and dancing and having a good time hanging out with your friends. Then think about giving that same feeling to a child with a disability who’s never had that chance.”

You see, your generosity will bring joy to a child who has battled so many obstacles in their young life.

It might just be the most well-received gift you could possibly give this year!

Give your gift now

Your gift is a standing ovation

When Merran was told that Tuscan may never walk or talk it must have hurt deeply. But Tuscany has proved them wrong. She not only walks and talks – she dances as well! Merran’s initial grief for a ‘normal’ child has long- subsided, and she can’t imagine Tuscany any other way. She is loved by all the family just the way she is.

Tuscany, meanwhile, has never been happier. She is truly a star, and StarJam is lucky to have her. In fact, when asked what she thinks of StarJam, she grins:

“It’s awesome. I really like it.
How awesome am I? You have to wish me good luck before the show!”

I am sure you’ll join me in giving her a standing ovation. And your gift today will do just that.

You can give now by clicking here or our donation line 0800 478 275 is open during office hours (9am-5pm)

Tuscany thanks you…