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Karinya News - February 2026
Dear Friends of Karinya
It happened again! We completely bypassed January and here we are almost at the end of February.
We hope you have managed, and enjoyed, the heat of Summer. Not quite over, but possibly less intense.
So much has been happening at Karinya over these past weeks. The recent days have seen a number of newborns become part of the little community we have in residence. And there are expected births that will bring a little bit of something even more special to outreach visits.
We certainly felt the love of the community over the Christmas season, which now seems so long ago. We were privileged to pass on all the love through gifts and celebrations with women, their babies and children and there was great joy, warmth and lots of laughter amidst the stuff of life that is so much a part of each day.
We are looking forward to gathering with Karinya supporters at the upcoming 2026 Home. Hope. Horizon. Charity Luncheon on Friday, 22 May 2026, celebrating, recognising and in support of the women we walk alongside. You can read more about this event in the segment below and use the provided link to purchase tickets to the event. We hope many of you will join with us, and invite your family, friends and colleagues along too.
We hope you enjoy the updates below and thank you for being part of the Karinya Village.
Please note references to events or appeals below are for the information of all our Friends. If you are an existing donor of Karinya House, be assured we value the current extent of your financial support, and no additional support from current donors is being sought through the sharing of this news, other than asking you to consider sharing this eNews with friends or family if it may be of interest to them.
The 2026 Home. Hope. Horizon. Charity Luncheon
Women who are pregnant and parenting experience some of the highest rates of domestic and family violence, homelessness and poverty. Karinya House stands beside women, providing safe housing, health and trauma support, casework and essential care throughout pregnancy and beyond.
For over 28 years, Karinya House has supported more than 2,800 women in the Canberra region.
The Home. Hope. Horizon. Luncheon celebrates this vital work and raises essential funds to continue it.
With incredible support from Principal Partner, Parker Coles Curtis, and the Karinya House Women 4 Women Network, the Luncheon has become a premier event on Canberra’s social and business calendar. Previous events have sold out, attracting over 300 guests. We hope you will join us at the 2026 luncheon where all guests are united by a shared commitment to making a difference.
Karinya on the Ground
Recently, Services Director, Belinda, shared the following summary of services with the Karinya Team.
Christmas
In case you were wondering here are some Christmas Gift Stats:
- 40 families received tailored gifts.
- This includes 65 children.
- Total gifts valued at $14,000.
- 28 individual gift donors (excluding giving trees etc.). Some individuals sponsored multiply families.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Christmas special and a big thanks to those who helped with keeping the important records!
Practical Assistance
For the July - December 2025 period, practical assistance was not limited to but included:
- 7 white good packages delivered for women moving into their new residences.
- 10 Women's Independence grants to a total value of $5,000.
- Grants given for things ranging from immigration support, vehicle safety issues, medical appointments, support to set up new home & obtaining a driving licence.
Referrals
- In the 2025 calendar year we had 267 referrals
- In the first 6 weeks of this year, we have had 49 referrals. This compares to 34 in the first 6 weeks of 2025.
Snippets....
A few snippets from the Karinya "Green Notebook" ...
"A million thanks to each and every one of you for the beautiful birthday card and kind wishes. It truly meant a lot to me. Your words, time, and thoughtfulness made my day extra special and gave me wonderful memories that I’ll always cherish. I feel very lucky to be part of such a caring and supportive team. Thank you again for making my birthday so happy and memorable."
"thank you so so much for everything - the support and love for me & my girl has been incredible. "
"Couldn't do it without you girls! Thank you for everything!"
One of the Care Team recently connected a woman who she was walking alongside with a potential employer. Following a conversation between the woman and the employer, the woman was offered the job. The caseworker recently received this message: "I also love my job at ****** THANKYOU 🤍🤍"
#humansofkarinya #walkingalongsidewomen
Bud of Hope
Flower bloom at different times, but they need care every single day. That’s what Bud of Hope represents: year-round support for women through Karinya House. Your regular donation creates the foundation for lasting growth. When you contribute to Bud of Hope, you are watering the metaphorical garden every day by providing consistent care through every season of a woman’s journey with us.
We have a solid foundation of recurring donors, just over 200, some of whom have been with us since before 1997 when the Karinya doors were opened. These donors are the Rose Buds in our Karinya Garden – based on the Canberra Federation Rose.
We invite you to Be a Bud of Hope in the Karinya Garden, from as little as $2 per month. Each new sponsorship tier for Bud of Hope is named for a native Australian flower meaningful to our tight-knit community. Choose your tier, Bluebell, Wattle, Bottlebrush or Eucalypt, based on your budget or select a flower that holds personal significance and help real hope grow, month after month.
Thank You!
For following the happenings at Karinya House, and for your support.
We look forward to seeing you across the wires or at our events over the months of 2026 ahead.
#supportingwomen #standingalongside #ourvillage #ourcommunity
Karinya House is committed to reconciliation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and pay respects to Elders past, present and future. In this recognition, we acknowledge the never-ending connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have to land, water and sky.
