Microsoft - GPS GSI Team ANZ

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Support little people with BIG Dreams today


The Pyjama Foundation's mission is to ensure as many foster children as possible receive the one-on-one learning support they often miss in traditional school settings. To fulfill this mission, the foundation needs to recruit and train more Pyjama Angels. You can contribute by sponsoring our team's Pyjama Day and making a donation to The Pyjama Foundation.

Brent's Story
 
Raised in foster care from the age of six, I am intimately familiar with the challenges that foster children encounter, having faced them myself. 
 
Before entering foster care, my early life was marred by domestic violence, abuse, and neglect, which negatively affected my development. I struggled with basic literacy and was extremely introverted, finding it difficult to engage with others. 
 
My transition to foster care was a turning point in my life. It offered me a safe and stable environment, setting me on the path of recovery and childhood normalcy. My foster mother's support was instrumental in my enrollment at school, where I spent a few challenging years catching up with my peers, all while confronting the realities of being a foster child. 
 
The life of a foster child is fraught with uncertainties. The persistent questions - "What's next?", "Will I stay here?", "Will I be sent back?", "Will I be adopted?", "Will I ever be considered 'normal'?" - can be overwhelming. These emotional burdens can affect a child's capacity to learn and grow, both emotionally and academically.
 
I consider myself fortunate, thanks to one person, my foster mum, Diane. She is one of the most remarkable people one could meet. She taught me life survival skills and ingrained in me a strong work ethic that has shaped who I am today.  
 
She would always say to me, "Yes bad things have happened to you, feeling sorry for yourself won't help, you have the power to overcome your past and create a better future. Remember always forward, never look back".
 
At 42, I am blessed with my own kids, the most amazing wife, an exciting career, and extensive travel adventures. My life has exceeded my wildest dreams. Despite this, a deep-seated sadness lingers, stemming from the knowledge that my "success story" is an exception among foster children. For each child who breaks the cycle of disadvantage, hundreds never fully realise their full potential.
 
This fundraising campaign is dedicated to Diane, who devoted over 25 years of her life to caring for countless children. From newborns with drug addictions, children with PTSD, kids that would hoard food because they weren't use to being fed, Diane provided us with a lifeline and a fighting chance. To Diane, I love you and thank you.
 
I extend my appreciation to my Microsoft GPS ANZ teammates for their support in this fundraising effort for an such an incredible organisation.
 
Thank you to all for your support!
Brent

Our Achievements

Registered for National Pyjama Day

Uploaded Profile Pic

Created or joined a team

We hit our fundraising target

Shared our page

Added a blog post

Added a blog post

Received first donation

Fundraising Superstars (raised more than $1000)

Thank you to our Sponsors

$816

Donkie Jam The Le Family

I told you we'll get there ;)

$501

Matthew Salmanzadeh (agile Analytics)

Inspiring stuff! A small donation from the team at Agile.

$500

Kiet Le

We're with you Brent!

$158

Tim Allen

Amazing work team.

$128

Shashank Mudholkar

$115

Samantha Said

$111

Nancy Chen

Such an inspiring session with GSI team.

$111

Robert Hartley

Incredibly proud of you Brent - amazing dad, husband and mate!

$111

Peter

Great work Brent et al.

$111

Jamie & Sarah

Love this ❤️

$111

Jessica Mckenzie

You’re an inspiration Brent. We’re so proud of you xx

$110

Jayesh Mowjee

$106

Craig Stanley

Great work mate! All the best

$101

Michael Stanley

$61

Cindy

Awesome initiative.

$61

Shannon Hobbs

$61

Hui Cheng Tan

$61

Anonymous

$61

Anonymous

$61

Bronwyn Johnson

Such a great cause! 💕

$61

Megan Fuller

Here’s to supporting a great cause!

$61

Kim Milikic

Thank you for sharing your story Brent. You are an amazing human ♥️

$61

Lisa Kennedy

$53

Jay And Ash

Love you dude.

$50

Peter And Caitlin Monaghan

Wonderful cause, well done Brent!

$50

Juliana Damcevski

$50

Jayesh Mowjee

$34

Hobbs

Great effort Brent

$34

Hui Cheng Tan

$34

Lanie Exton

$34

Martina Saldi

Thanks for doing this

$34

Sinéad Fitzgerald

Thank you, Brent, for giving back and for enabling us to support you and the other Pyjama Angels!

$34

Helen Airiyan

Great initiative!!!

$34

Czarek

Fantastic cause, congrats on the initiative Samantha!

$21

Rajesh Munisamy

Good luck

$21

Simone Bennett

Love your work MS team!