• HOME
• MEET MARY
  • About Mary
  • Maiden Speech
  • Photo Gallery
  • Mary's Video Clips
  • 
• ABOUT DONCASTER
  • The Electorate
  • Campaigns
  • Local Results
  • How Can I Help?
• MEDIA & SPEECHES
  • Portfolio Media
  • Portfolio Speeches
  • Doncaster Media
  • Doncaster Speeches
  • Mary in the Media
• GET INVOLVED
  • Volunteer
  • Join the Liberal Party
  • Enrol To Vote
• CONTACT
  • Mary's Office
  • Useful Links

Back to Previous Page...

Special Kids Get Their Christmas Wish

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

It was a wonderful privilege to be able to bring a smile to the faces of some very special kids today, Doncaster MP Mary Wooldridge said today. 

Since the start of November Liberal Members of State Parliament have been donating Christmas presents for the Mirabel Foundation, an organisaiton which supports children who have been orphaned or abandoned because of drug use by their parents.

Today Mary Wooldridge, who is also the Shadow Minister for Drug Abuse, and Ted Baillieu delivered a carload of Christmas presents to children supported by the Mirabel Foundation.

“This year we thought it was important to share the Christmas spirit with a group of children who are often overlooked and with the organisation that supports them,” said Ms Wooldridge.

“The Mirabel Foundation is a fantastic organisation that specifically cares for vulnerable children who are the casualties of substance abuse by their parents.

“As Shadow Minister for Drug Abuse I am well aware that substance abuse, be it is alcohol or drugs, is a growing problem in our society. It has a ripple effect through families, loved ones and communities.

“Christmas time is particularly hard for these children whose parents can no longer care for them.

“Experiences of parental drug use have a devastating effect on children, and often lead to the cycle of drug abuse repeating itself in the next generation.

“Mirabel founder Jane Rowe realised there was a huge need to protect and support these children, and provide opportunities for them to reach their full potential.

“These children are cared for in kinship arrangements, with grandparents, aunties and uncles, who may experience increased financial difficulties.

“The Liberal Party felt it was important to support these young Victorians as well as acknowledge the hard work of the Mirabel staff and carers by sharing the Christmas spirit.

“My Liberal Party colleagues have given generously and we hope that come Christmas day, these presents bring much joy to these special children,” said Ms Wooldridge.