st luke's anglicare tax appeal 2013

St Luke's Tax Appeal Letter 2013

Donate now.Change a life.

donate@stlukes.org.au

We’d like to tell you about Galen Sartore, who’s just celebrated his 20th birthday.

Our staff knew about this special day, and organised a muffin and candle.

Galen was pretty chuffed.But Galen hasn’t always felt so accepted.When he was at school, the days were long,

full of frustrations, and full of difficulties. He just didn’t fit in.

According to his mother Bette, during those days, Galen felt the brunt of bullying and the crush of confidence.

“Galen’s been bullied his entire life, even though he’s a big lad – he’s very gentle.

“And as a mother, I experienced desperate times. I wanted the best for my child, and I was determined to find support for Galen.”

Three years ago Bette decided to take Galen out of school.

She’d heard about the educational services offered by St Luke’s and enrolled him into the creative ‘Smart Art’ and ‘Real 2 Reel’ music program.

Coming to St Luke’s was like ‘coming home’ for my son.

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That was the day everything changed for Galen.“Coming to St Luke’s was like ‘coming home’

for my son.”Bette said that Galen struggles to understand

friendships. He does not grasp the subtleties of relationships, in ways that his peers do.

“But the inspiring thing about my son though, is his willingness to extend himself. This is the first learning environment he has relaxed into, and he’s got a confidence I haven’t seen for a long, long time.

“I was in tears of frustration before and now I’m in tears of pride because of how far he has come.

“Galen’s made remarkable progress at St Luke’s.”

If you are in a position to donate by June 30,

your financial contribution will enable our youth programs to continue to support children

and young people who have faced challenges like Galen has.

Your tax-deductible contribution will help fund our youth programs, as we work to provide safe and flexible educational services in our community.

You’ll find an accompanying 'gift' form and reply-paid envelope with this letter, to enable you to mail a donation. Or consider the other ways to donate, described on the back cover of our latest ‘Voice’ newsletter we’ve enclosed for you.

You can also choose to make an immediate ‘end of financial year’ donation online, by simply visiting www.stlukes.org.au

Your donation will mean parents who are seeking support for their children, like Bette, will be able to turn to St Luke’s.

And your gift will bring lasting change.

Oops . . . we almost forgot to tell you :Galen now records and produces his own music and videos, he’s performed on stage to an appreciative

audience, he enjoys painting and pottery … and plans to release a solo CD later this year.

Albury ∙ Bendigo ∙ Castlemaine ∙ Deniliquin ∙ Echuca ∙ Kyneton ∙ Maryborough ∙ Swan Hill

St Luke’s Anglicare22 Pall Mall Bendigo Vic 3550PO Box 315 Bendigo Vic 3552Tel: 03 5440 1100

www.stlukes.org.au

Galen & Bette

This is a 2013 Tax Appeal Letter proudly produced by St Luke's on 28 May.

ABN 99 087 209 729