As Logan’s very own domestic violence awareness day – Defenders Day – edges closer, a local childcare director is getting involved to share a message close to her heart.
Wednesday 31 May is the first annual Defenders Day, created by local charity organisation Defenders for Hope to celebrate all the heroes in the community.
Across Logan, five schools, 11 kindergartens and 12 workplaces will be dressing up as their favourite defenders.
A defender can be a teacher, parent, superhero, or anyone who defends others.
Little Gems Jimboomba, director Jac Brecknell, her team and their kids will be dressing up.
Ms Brecknell said it was a cause she couldn’t ignore.
“I grew up in a domestic violence household, so it’s something pretty close to me,” Ms Brecknell said.
“I’ve made a lot of changes… to make sure that’s not my life.
“And we have a lot of children here that are from vulnerable families as well, so if we can help make a change in even a couple of children’s lives, that’s awesome.”
She said although children might not be able to fully comprehend the “impacts of domestic violence”, they could recognise positive role-models.
“What they understand is someone who’s warm and loving,” she said.
“If you can be a warm, loving person for a child, it makes a huge impact.
“If you can support them, show them a role-model and be a positive influence in their life, it really makes a huge difference.”
Some kids at Little Gems chose their outfit more than a week in advance, such as Atlas who is going as Mr Incredible, and Oakley who is going as a paramedic.
Ms Brecknell said she and her team would dress up as educators.
“… because we feel like we’re superheroes,” she said.
“We’re confident, we’re doctors, we are argument negotiators – we wear many hats.”
Ms Brecknell said she was hopeful parents would get involved, because she had personally seen the positive impacts of Defenders.
“I have used Defenders personally because I am a foster carer,” she said.
“When I had a child come into my care, very quickly [Defenders gave me] brand new clothes, toys, teddies, a hairbrush.
“They’re always very ready to help.”
Beyond campaigning against domestic violence, Defenders for Hope have three op shops – at Logan Village, Hillcrest and Jimboomba.
They are currently raising funds to build a domestic violence shelter in Logan.
Too donate, or learn more, visit: defendersforhope.com.au.
