We are delighted to announce Tom Hawkins as our Appeal Ambassador, as we move towards our Community Giving Day on Thursday March 31 2022. The raised funds will go towards the completion of our new state-of-the-art home at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds.

Tom shares why he has chosen to support and be Anam Cara House Geelong’s Appeal Ambassador.

“In 2014 my mum was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in early 2015.

During that time, you’re dealing with a lot. You’re supporting your loved one but, in the back of your mind you’re thinking about, what’s life going to be life without them?

It was challenging, and I really struggled for 12-24 months. It was tough to come to terms with what had happened.

I’ve got a young family and every day we think about and talk about mum and her life. How she shaped me and even though she’s not here, will continue to shape the kids’ life.

So the work that Anam Cara House Geelong currently does, and will do at their new state-of-the-art home for those that are in their last moments of life is unbelievable. You can bring your dog, you cook, you can play music, board games – it essentially feels like you’re at home.

But not only for them, for their carers and also their families too. Anam Cara House Geelong gives caregivers a break and I know from my experience, that’s an amazing thing to be able to receive.

It’s really exciting to see the New Anam Cara House Geelong being built at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds. It’ll have 20 brand new private rooms, and it ties in beautifully with everything that Anam Cara House Geelong is about, and everything they do and provide.

I’ve been luckily enough to meet the people of Anam Cara House Geelong and they are wonderful people providing so much. I wanted to help out as well.

It’s for those reasons and so many more that I’m really proud to be the Anam Cara House Geelong Appeal Ambassador.”