- Volunteers from The Pyjama Foundation honoured during the Brisbane Pyjama Angel of the Year awards held at Parliament House
- Two-thirds of Pyjama Angels across the country are located in Queensland, bringing joy and hope to children in residential, foster and kinship care
- Sheryl Fitzgerald received the 2024 Brisbane Pyjama Angel of the Year award
Volunteers who generously spend time reading books to children in out-of-home care have been honoured at Parliament House, with one special person crowned Brisbane's volunteer of the year.
Child Safety Minister Charis Mullen presented Sheryl Fitzgerald with the 2024 Brisbane Pyjama Angel of the Year award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to providing the time, love and care needed by vulnerable children.
Since 2005, the Queensland Government has funded The Pyjama Foundation's Love of Learning Program, investing more than $690,000 annually to support the work of Pyjama Angels with children in care.
Two-thirds of Pyjama Angels across the nation are in Queensland, mentoring 843 children living in foster, residential and kinship care across the state.
Pyjama Angels make a profound difference in the lives of children and young people by reading books, playing games and helping with homework.
Studies show children and young people in care may experience educational disadvantages and can be less likely to achieve national literacy and numeracy standards compared to their peers.
Research shows reading to children can significantly improve their reading abilities, language skills and overall development.
As stated by Child Safety Minister Charis Mullen:
"I have the greatest respect for the generous gift of time and undivided attention these special volunteers give to children and young people in care.
"On behalf of the Miles Government I want to ensure the Foundation that we will always support you and I thank you for your extraordinary work.
"The Pyjama Foundation's Love of Learning Program achieves remarkable results for children in out-of-home care.
"Pyjama Angels offer stability and reliability, and as role models they empower children and young people with an enduring love for learning, life skills and confidence.
"While I consider every angel deserving of the highest award, I warmly congratulate Sheryl Fitzgerald as the Pyjama Foundation's 2024 Brisbane Pyjama Angel of the Year."
As stated by The Pyjama Foundation, CEO, Bronwyn Sheehan:
"Our volunteers are the heart and soul of The Pyjama Foundation.
"Their kindness, compassion and dedication are the driving force behind all we accomplish.
"Brisbane Pyjama Angel of the Year, Sheryl Fitzgerald embodies all we hope for in a volunteer – commitment, reliability, resilience and persistence.
"I congratulate her on this deserved accolade for her life-changing impact on children in care."
As stated by Brisbane Pyjama Angel of the Year, Sheryl Fitzgerald:
"It's a great privilege to receive this award for doing something I absolutely love.
"As a Pyjama Angel, I help kids by meeting them where they are at in their learning journey and cheering them on to do their best.
"I feel very lucky to see how a reading buddy's life gets better after spending time with them."
