What's New At Connections?

Connections UnitingCare Celebrates Pancake Day

Connections UnitingCare will host a morning tea in Mount Waverley on Tuesday 16 February to celebrate National Pancake Day, with all money raised going to the UnitingCare SHARE Community Appeal supporting people in need.

Staff and supporters will cook pancakes for the local community and neighbouring businesses for a gold coin donation at Connections' Head Office at 31 Hardner Road and a number of other sites across Melbourne.

Pancake Day, an initiative of the UnitingCare, has sold more than 1.5 million pancakes since its inception in 2002, raising vital funds for the 1.8 million Australians UnitingCare agencies assist each year.

Ombudsman's Report Highlights Major Issues

Connections UnitingCare has joined with other child, youth and family support organisations calling for changes to provide the most effective support to Victoria's most vulnerable children in the wake of the damning Victorian Ombudsman's report.

The Ombudsman's investigation found that as of 19 June, 2197 child protection cases, or 22.6 per cent, had not been allocated to a case worker. It also found that children had been placed in the care of sex offenders and said that some staff manipulated figures to meet performance targets. The report also illustrated tragic and heartbreaking stories.

Connections UnitingCare is today encouraging people across Melbourne to donate now to their Christmas Food & Gift Appeal that directly supports marginalised and disadvantaged children, young people and families.

2009 has been a tough year for many families, with the impact of the Global Financial Crisis putting enormous pressure on people already struggling.

'We're calling on the local community to support us in this Appeal,' says Connections Chief Executive Officer, Ms Angela Forbes. 'This Appeal very effectively delivers important Christmas items directly to those most in need. Our Case Workers, sometimes hand-in-hand with their clients, will select items that have been generously donated by members of the community,' said Ms Forbes.