Therapy Focus recognised as Telethon Beneficiary

On Friday 26 March, a group of staff attended the 2020 Telethon Beneficiary Breakfast on behalf of Therapy Focus and the children and families we support.

The event saw 65 community groups and service providers come together to be acknowledged as Telethon beneficiaries. These beneficiaries are awarded grants that enable their work to support the wellbeing of WA children and their families.

Therapy Focus was awarded a grant to provide access to specialised assistive technology through a transitional rehabilitation program that supports community inclusion and participation of children and young people with disabilities.

Therapy Focus Senior Manager Theresa Pastor, Team Leader Aimee Dougan, and Brand Engagement Officer Indi Fillery attended the event and were moved by a powerful speech from young Western Australian Alice O’Sullivan.

Alice lives with cerebral palsy and, thanks to Telethon and generous donations from the WA community, has been able to work with swimming organisation, Superfins, to develop her skills in the water and enjoy swimming.

In addressing the beneficiaries in the room, Alice said, “You’re all so important because the jobs that you do help kids with disabilities like me and kids with sickness pull through some of the hardest times in our lives.”

Pictured: Basil Zempilas (L), Theresa Pastor, Aimee Dougan and Fat Cat (R)

After a quick break for breakfast, Little Telethon Stars Eamon Doak and Nora Holly made a grand entrance, accompanied by none other than Fat Cat. The pair had the crowd in giggles as they shared stories about how they met Premier Mark McGowan at an afternoon tea and spent time tong fighting with him.

“Tong fights are different because you use tongs and then clutch them together and see who wins,” Eamon explained.

“I think all of us won!” Nora exclaimed.

Premier McGowan was overjoyed to receive a pair of tongs mounted to a frame from the Little Stars to put in his office.

“You need to improve your tong fighting skills, Mr Mark McGowan,” Eamon said as he handed the Premier the third place plaque.

From crying with laughter to tears of emotion, guests then watched stories of deserving families who have received assistance thanks to Telethon, its beneficiaries, and the generosity of the WA community.

At the conclusion of the breakfast, the Therapy Focus team were lucky enough to have a picture with Premier Mark McGowan, after thanking him for his contribution to children living with sickness and disability.

Pictured: Aimee Dougan (back left), Theresa Pastor (back right), Indi Fillery (front left) and Premier Mark McGowan (front right)

For more information about Telethon and its beneficiaries, visit telethon7.com.