Cathy Freeman Foundation
Coles is proud to have partnered with the Cathy Freeman Foundation to help them achieve their goal of bringing Indigenous children a brighter future through education. Established by Cathy Freeman in 2007, the Foundation supports Indigenous education with a current focus on Palm Island, the birthplace of Cathy’s mother and grandparents.
Coles has worked closely with the Cathy Freeman Foundation to create a unique and limited edition shopping bag which features the artwork of one of the students from Palm Island, Jimeka Richardson.
Jimeka said, “Palm Island is a pretty place to live. The colours I have used in my artwork reflect parts of the island that are special to me. I hope that other people enjoy my picture”.
Cathy Freeman said, “I believe that all children deserve the same opportunities to learn, experience life, explore their talents and fulfil their dreams - Jimeka’s bag represents these hopes and dreams.”
“We’ve been working with the Indigenous children on Palm Island to provide educational opportunities, to build confidence and teach skills that will set them on their way to a successful future.”
This exclusive and limited edition bag will be available in stores from 26th October 2011 for $5. For each bag sold between 26th October and 26th December 2011, we will donate 50c to the Cathy Freeman Foundation, which will go towards the education of Indigenous children on Palm Island. For more information on how you can help kids get on track visit www.cathyfreemanfoundation.org.au
About Palm Island
Palm Island is one of Australia’s largest discrete communities, and one with a troubled history. The Bureau of Statistics lists Palm Island as the fourth most disadvantaged community in Australia. Around 60% of the population is under 20 years of age and life expectancy is 50 years (38% lower than the state average). On the island there are approximately 350 homes for 3800 residents and unemployment is 90%.
Four out of five children suffer mild to moderate permanent hearing loss from otitis media infections so they struggle with the basics of phonetics and early learning. Many children never catch up and, understandably, simply give up.
Approximately nine out of 10 of year 7 students are unable to read and write at a minimum National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) standard, and less than one in 10 graduate from secondary school.