Every year, Hear and Say runs a Tax Appeal in the weeks leading up to 30 June. It is one of our most important fundraising campaigns, helping ensure children and families can access life-changing support that isn’t fully funded through government programs.
Donations from this year’s appeal will help fund hearing screening for school students, speech pathology sessions, aquatic kits for children with cochlear implants, telepractice support for families in rural and remote Queensland, and other programs that help children learn to listen, speak and thrive.
At the heart of this year’s campaign was Ivah.
Born profoundly deaf, Ivah received his first cochlear implant at just 10 months old, followed by a second implant three months later. Through Hear and Say’s listening and spoken language therapy program, he learned to hear, speak and confidently connect with the world around him.
Today, Ivah is 20 years old, studying biomedical science with ambitions of becoming a surgeon. Last year, he proudly represented Australia at the Deaflympics and now shares his journey to inspire other children and families beginning a similar path.
His story reminds us of what is possible when children receive the right support at the right time.
We’re delighted to share that, after six weeks, our Tax Appeal raised $87,099.76.
This incredible result would not have been possible without the support of our entire Hear and Say community. Whether you cared for a family, shared Ivah’s story, reviewed content, spoke with a donor, helped prepare campaign materials or worked behind the scenes, you played an important part in its success.
Together we:
- Reached 13,000 supporters by email
- Received 141 donations
- Secured 7 major gifts of more than $4,000, totalling $39,080
- Achieved an average gift of $340.57 (excluding major gifts)
Every donation represents someone who believes in the work we do and wants to help more children and families experience the life-changing outcomes that Hear and Say makes possible.