Hannah’s House is the only organisation in Western Australia able to provide free-of-charge respite care to families who have a child – or children – with life-limiting or complex conditions, such as rare genetic disorders, cancer or epilepsy.
Respite is described as ‘a short break or escape from something difficult’ and, for the families we support, who are under extreme stress 24/7, respite isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifesaver and life changing.
Our Pro Bono Respite Program, together with our Playtime Program and Family and Carer Support Program, can only flourish thanks to the generosity of those who give to our cause.
The James Galvin Foundation – which was established in 2010 to empower Western Australians with sustainable, preventive support that fosters growth and positive change – has been a valued Hannah’s House donor for a number of years.
In this Supporter Spotlight, we’re proud to share the story of this powerful partnership.
James Galvin Foundation & Hannah’s House
Q. How did the James Galvin Foundation come to know about the work of Hannah’s House?
A. One of our board members has worked at Perth Children’s Hospital for 15 years and had heard about Hannah’s House through work. She introduced Hannah’s House to the board, and we all did our research and agreed it was an amazing organisation that we wanted to contribute to.
Q. What inspired your grandparents to establish the Foundation?
A. The Foundation formalised their commitment to making a positive impact and giving back to society. They were inspired by other family foundations that have made a real difference. Through the Foundation, they wanted to support the communities and services that have shaped our family, while helping to create positive change across Western Australia.
Q. Can you explain why the Foundation gives to Hannah’s House?
A. Hannah’s House is a very worthy organisation, and they have given us valuable insight into the work they do and how our donations are being used. As a Foundation, we ensure that our donations go to organisations within Western Australia that align with the criteria we have established. These organisations must demonstrate a positive impact on both individuals and the broader community, and over the years, we have seen firsthand how Hannah’s House continues to deliver on this.
Q. How meaningful is it for your family to be able to make an impact in the community?
A. It is incredibly meaningful for our family to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community. Through our work as a Foundation, we have become more aware of the social and community issues that affect others and, importantly, the ways in which we can contribute to creating meaningful change.
Giving back and helping others is a core value of our family. We feel very fortunate to be able to support organisations and causes that are making a difference.
Q. The Foundation operates on a hand-up, rather than a hand-out approach. Why is that important?
A. This has always been very important to the Galvin family. A hand-up approach is about empowering charities and organisations to create lasting change, rather than simply providing a short-term hand-out. By giving people the support, resources and opportunities they need to move forward, we can help create meaningful and sustainable impact. For us, it’s about standing alongside organisations and supporting them to make a real difference, rather than simply giving and walking away.
Thank you
We are deeply grateful to the James Galvin Foundation for its impactful support of Hannah’s House and the families we care for.