Paper Cranes Children's Foundation

22/11/2025

🎄 Christmas Survival Recipe for the Special Needs Parents 🌲 💛 Who else need this today 💛

🎄 Christmas Survival Recipe for the Special Needs Parent 🎄

(aka: “The Holiday Recipe They Don’t Put in Cookbooks”)

Ingredients

•1 heaping cup of strength — the kind you don’t remember choosing, but always manage to find.

•3 tablespoons of patience — doubled if there’s a meltdown, tripled if there’s a crowd.

•2 teaspoons of courage — for every appointment, every outing, every “we’ll try our best.”

•1 generous scoop of grace — for yourself, for your child, for the people who don’t get it.

•4 pinches of flexibility — because plans will change… and change again.

•A dusting of humor — to sprinkle on the moments that would otherwise make you cry.

•½ cup of quiet moments — even if they’re stolen in the bathroom with the door locked.

•2 handfuls of hope — the soft, steady kind that holds you upright when you’re tired.

•A warm splash of community — from those who actually understand.

•1 ornament-sized reminder — that your child is perfect as they are, right here, right now.

Optional Add-Ins

•A dash of tears (completely normal).

•A swirl of grief for the holidays you imagined.

•A sprinkle of joy for the unexpected magic your child brings.

Directions

1. Combine strength and patience in the bowl of daily life. Stir gently — it’s okay if the mixture feels lumpy.

2. Fold in courage, even when it doesn’t feel fully thawed.

3. Sift in grace and flexibility, especially on the days when everyone else’s “perfect Christmas” is splashed across social media.

4. Whisk humor in briskly until a small smile forms.

5. Add quiet moments slowly, letting them melt into the mixture.

6. Stir in hope until the recipe begins to rise again.

7. Top with community and your ornament-sized reminder.

8. Serve warm, to yourself, all season long.

Chef’s Notes

•This recipe never comes out the same way twice — that’s okay.

•It’s meant to be shared with other special needs parents who might need a bite of comfort.

•If your recipe falls flat some days… you are still doing beautifully.

Stacy Warden | Noah’s Miracle
Copyright protected by a Creative Commons License.

17/11/2025

💜World Prematurity Day 2025💜

Every year, 15 million babies are born too soon — too small, too early, and far too vulnerable to life-threatening complications.

In Australia, 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks). That’s around 27,000 preterm babies every year.

But with the right care, most preterm and low-birth-weight babies survive. They can go on to thrive and live wonderful lives.

Today, we honour the courage of all premmie families. We celebrate the brave souls who entered the world before their time and survived, and we remember those who were lost.

Today, we also honour NICU teams across the globe — the teams who ensure that our miracle babies are lovingly and expertly cared for.

Today, we are wearing purple to honour our own premmies ( born at 26 and 30 weeks) and to raise awareness about the challenges faced by premmie parents and the support they need.

14/11/2025

✨ You know what day it is… Staff Spotlight day! ✨

Today we’re celebrating Claire, a true ray of sunshine in everything she does. 💛

Claire shares, “Working with Paper Cranes has been one of the most rewarding experiences, seeing the smiles on the children’s faces reminds me why I love what I do every day.”

Spreading kindness wherever she goes, Claire’s passion and heart make a lasting impact on every child and family we reach. 🌟

What’s your age, and what’s your role in the company?
I’m 45.

How long have you been with the company?
I started in May 2019.

What inspired you to join this industry?
I love supporting people and doing things for them that improve their quality of life.
I had spent a lot of time around bereavement and know how important it is for people to have stability in their lives.

What does a typical day in your role look like?
Family, work, study, family… Busy!

What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of?
I had my own business for 10 years and was able to create so many beautiful, long-lasting memories.

What’s one thing about your job that people might find surprising?
People often say they don’t know how I do it. I explain to them that it is an honour to be a part of their lives. Making a difference is about the small things that matter.

What’s the best thing about working here?
Cuddles and making the children giggle.

What’s a skill you’ve learned on the job that’s stuck with you?
I learned everything I know about complex care. I had no experience when I started. Galia inspired me to do my nursing degree and supported me while I completed my Diploma of Nursing. Now she stands beside me as I work on my Bachelor of Nursing Science.

What’s your favourite way to wind down after a busy day?
I love to crochet or do craft things, and I love Hallmark Christmas movies.

If you weren’t in this role, what career would you pursue?
I don’t know… but I know I would be caring for someone.

What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?
I have two beautiful granddaughters, and there are five generations of girls alive in our family.

What’s your go-to snack or drink at work?
Chocolate.

What’s the last book, movie, or show you loved?
My 13-year-old daughter got me into Percy Jackson and Greek mythology, so I’m enjoying that at the moment.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I love it here. Tasmania and Wellington are lovely, but too cold!

Who or what inspires you the most in life or work?
I’m inspired by our families — their resilience and passion to fight, to give their kids the best life possible.

What’s a hobby or passion you love to do outside of work?
I love my own family, and I love God.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting in your field?
Some days you may feel like you achieved nothing, but know that you’re making a difference in their lives — and it’s the small things that count.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Energetic, enthusiastic, and compassionate.

What’s your proudest personal or professional achievement?
I have two adult daughters and two teenage daughters. I am so proud of the compassionate young ladies they have become.

13/11/2025

💛 World Kindness Day 💛

Kindness doesn’t need to be big or loud, it just needs to be felt. A smile, a check in, a helping hand - it all counts.

We see kindness every day in families who show up for each other, in communities that lift one another, and in the small moments that change everything.

Here’s to spreading a little extra warmth today. The world needs it. 🌏✨

11/11/2025

🎉 RAFFLE TIME! 🎉

A huge thank you to the Lionsatspringwood for running a raffle to support us! 🙌

You could win an incredible signed memorabilia from the Premiership team - the perfect prize for any true fan! 🏆🔥

🎟️ Tickets are just $5 each, so grab yours now for your chance to take home this awesome piece of sporting history.

Every ticket helps, and every bit of support means the world to us 💛💙

Get your tickets from Lionsatspringwood!

07/11/2025

The secret is out ! Amazing work Braeden , we are so looking forward to get our hands on a few of your colouring books.

07/11/2025

🌟 Friday Spotlight: Kiara 🌟

It’s Friday, and today we’re shining the spotlight on Kiara - who leads a double life! By day, she’s all heart and kindness… but when the helmet goes on, she’s a total powerhouse on her motorbike. 🏍💛

She reminds us that strength comes in all forms - and that life’s a whole lot better when you chase it full throttle.

How long have you been with PCCF?
I joined what was originally Choice Health Homecare in March 2024.

What is your role at PCCF?
I am a support worker

What’s one story or moment that makes you proud to be part of the team?
A family had a fear and distrust around providers after being burnt too many times, however, they took the leap after hearing recommendations of PCCF and Galia, and they haven’t looked back since. I think this really outlines what we do and who we are. We are a provider. We are an organisation. Yet, we are also a small team who will always put the kids and the families who we care for at the forefront of everything that we do.

What’s a challenge you have helped families overcome?
I suppose to continue on from the previous question, we as a team have gone against the preconceived ideas of what an organisation may be like. Through our client centred, holistic approach, we prove that we are different.

If you could tell the world one thing about the work PCCF does, what would it be?
We strive and guide young children to grow and develop, celebrating their wins and making the most of every day.

Tell the community one random fact about you, and a photo?
This is always a funny question as nobody would guess it, but I am very passionate about motorcycles and I compete in road racing from local through to national events.

05/11/2025

🥳 We’re in the Grill’d Local Matters jars! 🥳

For the whole month you’ll find Paper Cranes Children’s Foundation featured at Grill'd Loganholme. Every burger you buy comes with a token. Drop it in our jar and help us move closer to opening Wattle Cottage, a safe and supportive space where children with life limiting conditions and their families can be together when it matters most.

It’s an easy and delicious way to make a difference. Grab your mates, head to Grill’d Loganholme, and make sure you choose Paper Cranes when you order. 🍔✨

04/11/2025

A fun afternoon with a couple of the team and Galia’s first ever Melbourne Cup! 💛

Plenty of laughs, good food, and a great excuse to pause and celebrate together.

04/11/2025

Big shout out to our friends over at the The Inclusion Network, creating real change by showing what true inclusion looks like.

They are not just talking about inclusion; they are living it.
Empowering families, educators and support workers to build spaces where everyone belongs.

What Does Inclusion Actually Look Like?

Inclusion isn’t just about having everyone in the same room.
It’s about ensuring every child feels they belong in that room.

💡 True inclusion means:

🟡 Adapting environments, not just expecting children to adapt
🟡 Responding to behaviour as communication, not disruption
🟡 Empowering educators with real-world tools and confidence
🟡 Walking with families, not handing them a checklist
🟡 Uplifting support workers, because they are part of the team too

At The Inclusion Network, we help translate theory into practice.
Through mentoring, training, and resources grounded in lived experience, we equip those supporting children with practical, compassionate strategies that make real inclusion possible and sustainable.

Because inclusion isn’t a goal you tick off, it’s a mindset, a culture, and a daily commitment. 💛

📍 Want to learn how we can support your team or family?
📧 admin@theinclusionnetwork.com.au

📞 1800 846 000
🌐 www.theinclusionnetwork.com.au

03/11/2025

🏃‍♀️ Run for a Cause – Gold Coast Marathon 2026 🏃‍♂️

Ready to make every step count? Join the Paper Cranes Children’s Foundation team at the 2025 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon and help us support children with complex needs and their families.

🗓 Race Weekend: July 4-5th, 2026
📍 Location: Broadwater Parklands, Southport, QLD
🎟️ Tickets on sale: December 2, 2025, at 9am AEST
🔗 Fundraising link: https://goldcoastmarathon26.grassrootz.com/paper-cranes-children-s-foundation

Whether you're aiming for a personal best or just want to be part of a meaningful cause, your participation makes a real difference.

Celebrate the 46th edition of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon and run for the good times on Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 July 2026 on the beautiful Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. The world class international marathon will attract participants of all ages and abilities from around the world across ei...

29/10/2025

Thank you, Lionsatspringwood for your incredible generosity! 🦁💛

We’re so grateful for your donation and excited about the opportunity to collaborate on future events together, raising funds for vital services that will help make Wattle Cottage a warm, welcoming space where kids and families can find comfort and respite when they need it most.

Thank you for helping us make a difference. 💛

🦁✨ Together, We Lift Others ✨🦁
We’re proud to donate $2,000 to Paper Cranes Children's Foundation — an incredible charity based right here in Queensland that provides personalised care and support to children and young people with profound physical disabilities, complex health needs and life-limiting conditions.

PCCF offer services such as specialist in-home and community supports, respite stays, wellness and memory-making programs — giving families stability, connection and moments that matter.

We at Lions@Springwood are honoured to back their mission. A huge thanks to our members, sponsors and local community for helping us make real impact — one family, one child, one moment at a time.