Giving Back
At Kounelakia, we believe in giving back to the community and supporting causes that make a meaningful difference. We are proud to regularly contribute to the following organisations that work tirelessly to improve the lives of others:
NICU CHEER
We are honoured to support NICU Cheer, a heartfelt initiative founded by Maddie, who experienced firsthand the challenges of having a premature baby. After Maddie and her husband Aaron had their son Ashton prematurely in 2016, they recognized a need to brighten the days of NICU parents, especially during special celebrations. NICU Cheer now delivers over 1,260 gift bags annually to parents in ten hospitals on Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas, bringing much-needed cheer and support during difficult times.
We are inspired by NICU Cheer’s mission to provide comfort and let NICU parents know they are not alone. Maddie’s dedication and the positive impact of these thoughtful gestures align with our values and our own personal lived experience. Supporting NICU Cheer allows us to contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference in the lives of families during their most challenging moments. During our own NICU stay we received a Mother’s Day and Father’s Day bag from NICU Cheer and know firsthand how incredible it is to receive such a gesture during such a challenging and isolating time
To read more find out how you can help visit www.nicucheer.com.au
STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
We proudly support the Starlight Children's Foundation, an organization dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families. Through a range of programs, including hospital-based activities, wish-granting, and family support initiatives, Starlight brings joy, comfort, and hope to children facing challenging medical journeys.
Our donations help Starlight provide positive experiences that create cherished memories and improve the well-being of young patients and their families. We believe in the power of joy and hope, and supporting Starlight allows us to contribute to a cause that makes a meaningful impact in our community. We personally used the family rooms available at The Children’s Hospital to take time out from being in the ward constantly. We were able to shower, sit and eat without having to commute all the way home and back again. Making it easier for us to stay by Oliver during the day and nights.
To read more find out how you can help visit www.starlight.org.au
THE HUMOUR FOUNDATION - CLOWN DOCTORS
We proudly support The Humour Foundation and its Clown Doctors program, an initiative dedicated to bringing joy and laughter to children in hospitals. The Clown Doctors use humor therapy to lift the spirits of young patients, their families, and hospital staff, creating a positive and healing environment during challenging times.
Our commitment to The Humour Foundation stems from our belief in the power of laughter and its ability to improve well-being. By supporting the Clown Doctors, we help bring moments of happiness and relief to those who need it most. During our NICU stay we had the clown doctors visit us from time to time. They normally spend their time in PICU, but knew that Oliver being a little older and still in the NICU they would come to visit. Oliver’s first ever giggles were during one of these visits from the clown doctors. We luckily caught this beautiful moment on camera (while we sobbed in the background) and it is one we often watch and cherish very much.
To read more find out how you can help visit www.humourfoundation.org.au
LIFE’S LITTLE TREASURES FOUNDATION
We proudly support Life's Little Treasures, an organization dedicated to providing support and resources to families of premature and sick babies. This cause is especially close to our hearts, as Life's Little Treasures offers invaluable assistance and comfort during some of the most challenging times for these families.
Throughout the year, we participate in and donate to various community events organized by Life's Little Treasures. By contributing to their efforts, we aim to aSist them continue their vital work, bringing hope and support to those who need it most. We are honoured to be part of such a meaningful cause and are committed to giving back to our community in meaningful ways. Life’s Little Treasures has been a wonderful organisation to us and provided over the phone support when we needed it most - even after we left the NICU.
To read more find out how you can help visit www.lifeslittletreasures.org.au
These organisations hold a special place in our hearts, and we are honoured to support their incredible efforts.
Thank you for joining us in supporting these important causes.
CONSUMER HEALTH FORUM - LIFE SUPPORT IN THE HOME: LIVED EXPERIENCE PANEL
At Kounelakia, we are committed to being proactive within our community. As part of this commitment, we are proud to participate in the Life Support in the Home: Lived Experience Panel. This initiative, under the #BetterTogether campaign, aims to better support Life Support Customers who rely on critical continuous energy supply. Through my involvement, I contribute to identifying and addressing the needs of these customers, ensuring they receive the support and protection they need. It's a privilege to work alongside dedicated professionals and organisations to help improve the lives of those who depend on life support equipment at home.
Our son Oliver is a critical life support patient, who depends on continuous power supply to his medical equipment.
To read more, visit www.theenergycharter.com.au/life-support/