Community

Fragile X is a family of genetic conditions caused by an expansion on the Fragile X gene. One of those conditions is Fragile X syndrome. This is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and developmental delay, impacting around 1 in 5,000 children and adults. People who are ‘carriers’ for the Fragile X gene can be affected in different ways – with many adult female carriers experiencing reproductive problems through early menopause, and older males who are carriers experiencing ataxia and tremor similar to Parkinson’s disease.

Fragile X Association of Australia is a member-based charity. Our mission is to support people living with Fragile X to live their best possible lives through connection, education and advocacy.

We offer support and services to the Fragile X community Australia-wide and anyone who has a query about Fragile X. We offer a HelpLine 5 days a week; a website and social media sites; an educational webinar program and videos to help people learn about Fragile X; specialist counselling and peer support to families and individuals living with Fragile X, and referrals to services and specialists. We advocate in areas that affect the Fragile X community, such as testing & diagnosis, disability supports and health care services We also advocate for research into treatments for Fragile X syndrome, and further understanding of the conditions which affect carriers for Fragile X. Fragile X-associated conditions are frequently under-recognised and often misdiagnosed, so we also work towards increased awareness of Fragile X amongst health professionals.

Donation link: https://www.fragilex.org.au/support-us/donate/

Miracle Babies Foundation is Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation supporting premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals that care for them. Every year, 48,000 babies are born premature or sick in Australia, these babies can go on to face lifelong challenges and the experience affects the entire family unit. Sadly, up to 1,000 babies will lose their fight for life.

Miracle Babies’ vision is to achieve ‘better, healthier outcomes for babies and their families challenged by prematurity or sickness at birth’. The NurtureProgram provides peer support and resources for families throughout the experience of having their baby spend weeks or months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Nursery (SCN), improving the wellbeing of the entire family – providing hope, reassurance, guidance and ongoing support for their journey in hospital, and for years beyond.

In-Hospital Peer Support Service (NurtureTime) operates at hospitals across the country, along with after discharge play and support groups within the community (NurtureGroups). The 24-Hour Family Support Line (NurtureLine) is available to all families nationally, as well as grandparents and extended family or carers, at any stage of a family’s stage.

Donation link: https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/donate-widget/gjisao

Happy Tails Animal Rescue is a volunteer-run rescue group saving the life of dogs and cats in need. Based in South-East Queensland and helping dogs and cats all over Australia, Happy Tails has rescued and re-homed more than 2000 animals in just five years.

We place all our animals into loving approved foster homes, where they will get the best care while they wait for their forever homes. We provide all vet and behavioral work required to ensure our animals are happy, healthy and ready to be a part of a family. Happy Tails has a thorough adoption process to ensure that our animals are going to the right home. If for any reason an adopted animal can no longer be cared for, we will take them back into foster care and provide for them until they find their true forever home.

As well as rescue, Happy Tails also runs the Safe Tails program, providing short-term crisis foster care for pets of individuals at risk or experiencing domestic violence, homelessness or other needs.

Donation link: https://happytailsrescue.com.au/support-us/donate/

Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL NSW) is a registered charity dedicated to the care, rehabilitation and rehoming of companion animals across New South Wales. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure every companion animal has a safe and loving home.

Regardless of their past, from the moment animals arrive to our shelter, often through the efforts of our dedicated animal inspectors responding to reports of cruelty, they receive full medical attention from our Veterinary Hospital, as well as personalised rehabilitation, daily exercise, proper nutrition, and behavioural support from our dedicated animal welfare specialists.

We invest the time and expertise to ensure every animal is healthy and socially prepared to thrive in their new home, no matter how long it takes. Our foster program plays an integral role in this process, providing a supportive, temporary environment where animals can continue their recovery and socialisation before finding their forever home.

Our adoption process is considered and personalised, ensuring the perfect match, whether the animal is joining an individual, a couple, or a family, creating lasting and loving connections. At AWL NSW, we’re not just helping animals; we’re creating success stories, one life at a time.

Donation link: https://www.awlnsw.com.au/donate/