The Alannah & Madeline Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to keeping children and young people safe where they live, learn and play.  

We fight for the rights of children, not just because children are precious – they are – and not just because our instinct is to protect them from the world – it is – but because only when young people are safe can they also be happy, hopeful and strong. 

In its third year, Alannah & Madeline Day is on Tuesday 17 September 2023.

It’s an extraordinary day when generous people like you come together to support children who have experienced violence and trauma.

We are aiming to raise $350,000 to help provide a Buddy Bag to every child who needs one. Right now, 1 in 2 children are missing out, because we simply don't have the funds to meet demand.

All donations received on Tuesday 17 September will be doubled up to $150,000 from 8 AM until 8 PM AEST, thanks to our Major Campaign Matching Partner, Myer Community Fund.

This means DOUBLE the love, DOUBLE the Buddy Bags and TWICE as many children will be supported to heal, recover and thrive from trauma and violence.

Tuesday 17 September, from 8 AM until 8 PM AEST.  

Each year 11,000 Australian children are taken into emergency care because they’re at serious risk of harm or have no safe place to live.   

These experiences can leave children and young people feeling scared and alone, often placing them in unfamiliar environments and separated from parents and siblings. We know that many arrive with nothing but the clothes they are wearing and with no other belongings. 

We provide these children and young people with Buddy Bags. These are brand new backpacks thoughtfully packed by volunteers with items to help meet their immediate material and personal care needs.  

When they open their Buddy Bag, the first thing they see is a teddy bear, followed by essentials from a toothbrush and toothpaste to PJs, underwear, and socks.  

Our Buddy Bags provide these vulnerable children and young people with a sense of security and comfort as the first step on their journey to safety and recovery. 

You and your supporters can double their impact by making a donation at: alannahandmadelineday.org.au or calling 1300 720 747.

Your donation on Alannah & Madeline Day will help deliver expert support to children impacted by violence and trauma, to feel comforted, safe, valued, and loved. Without your support, many children who've experienced extreme violence and trauma may never receive the help they need to recover. They could simply fall through the cracks.

Less than 10% of our funding comes from the government, so we rely on the generosity of the community – people like you – to make our work for children possible. Without funding, we will not be able to meet demand and children in crisis will miss out.  

On 28 April 1996, Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged six and three, were tragically killed alongside their mother and 32 other people at Port Arthur in Tasmania. 
 
One year later, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation was launched in the girls’ honour by their father, Walter Mikac AM and a small group of volunteers. They were driven by the belief that all children and young people should be able to live a happy and safe life, free from violence and trauma.

Alannah & Madeline Day is in honour of Alannah and Madeline Mikac.

After 27 years, our mission continues. We fight for their right to be safe, so their future is strong.

If you have any questions about how you can best support Alannah & Madeline Day, please contact: 

Simone Redman-Jones
Media & Communications Manager
Email: simone.redmanjones@amf.org.au 
Mobile: 0499 202 001

Andrew Gommers
Corporate Partnerships Manager
Email: andrew.gommers@amf.org.au
Mobile: 0401 242 730

For general enquiries or to donate please call 1300 720 747 or visit www.alannahandmadelineday.org.au