Passenger donations to support perinatal emotional wellbeing
A Brisbane-based perinatal mental health support service has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Brisbane Airport (BNE) Giving Globes Program.
Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness is a peer-led charity that supports new parents and families, providing targeted mental health support, parenting education, and social inclusion activities for parents at risk of, or experiencing, perinatal mental health challenges.
Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO, said supporting the Brisbane community had never been more important.
“There is no doubt the last 24 months have been trying for everyone, so the need to look after one another is more important than ever,” he said.
“Thanks to the generosity of passengers donating their spare foreign currency into our Giving Globes in our Terminals, we are able to provide valuable funds to Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness.
“To be able to back the incredible work this group does is a privilege. They are making a real and meaningful impact to the lives of many local families.”
Mr de Graaff said this donation is one of many BAC continues to make through its extensive Philanthropic and Partnerships Program.
Viv Kissane, Peach Tree CEO, said the funds raised from the globes will be used to support perinatal “resilience and re(dis)covery” with local families and communities.
“In Australia, one in five new mums and one in 10 new dads experience postnatal depression and anxiety after the birth of a baby, which is around 100,000 parents each year,” she said.
“Peach Tree strives to support these mums and dads through education, connection, and by creating a passionate and caring community.
“We cannot thank the team at Brisbane Airport Corporation enough for their support of our organisation.”
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, Peach Tree has locations at Geebung, Mount Gravatt, and Caboolture, and also offers services online.
“The timing of this announcement is extra special as this week is Perinatal Mental Health Week,” Ms Kissane said. “It is a time to raise awareness and collaborate to ensure parents in need feel validated, reassured, and that their experiences are normalised.
“The important message we need to spread is you are NOT alone. If you are expecting a baby or already a parent, and you are struggling emotionally, support is available. We know everyone’s circumstances look different, therefore the care received needs to be different too.
“No matter what it may look like, starting this important conversation early to ensure help is received can significantly improve the mental health outcomes for both parents and infants,” Ms Kissane said.
For more information:
About BNE’s Giving Globes Program:
BNE’s Giving Globes Program supports individuals in need or not-for-profit organisations.
Passengers can donate their spare foreign currency into any one of the Giving Globes located throughout BNE’s Domestic and International Terminals.
Each year, all funds from the globes are collected and converted to Australian currency for free by program partner Travelex.
This is the fifth year of BNE’s Giving Globes Program.
In 2019-2020, $45,000 was raised and donated to Youngcare to continue building platinum standard, age-appropriate housing for young people with high care needs, who have nowhere else to go.
In 2018-2019, $40,000 was raised for Rural Aid’s ‘Buy A Bale’, helping Australia’s rural communities and Aussie farmers in need.
In 2017-2018, $40,000 was donated to Burnie Brae’s Project Pantry, providing pensioners with access to low-cost nutritional food and living essentials through monthly market days, as well as providing emergency food relief to families and individuals experiencing financial hardship.
In its first year, the $40,000 donated by travellers was used to help a local Brisbane man who lost his hands and feet after contracting a meningococcal infection.
Image Credit: Emma Jean Photography