Cottage’s Giving Day 2026 raised $596,697 

From 9am–9pm on March 3, matching donors doubled every dollar donated to the charity so that more children can experience inspiring and fun opportunities at Cottage by the Sea and its new Riptide facility. More than 300 supporters donated to Giving Day 2026.

“Thank you to everyone who supported our Giving Day – whether it was a matching donor, donor to the fundraiser, key stakeholder or volunteer on the day. We didn’t just reach our fundraising target – we exceeded it. Our remarkable record-breaking result is a testament to our community’s understanding of the growing need and work that we do,” said Adam Wake, CEO Cottage by the Sea.  

“As a non-government funded children’s charity, fundraising is essential and the only way that we can guarantee our service into the future. All the funds raised on Giving Day will go to providing the best possible programs that we can, which we are now operating out of our main Cottage building and our new Riptide facility,” said Wake.

“Our team works really hard to offer the best experience possible to children experiencing vulnerability, and Riptide represents the opportunity to reach more by expanding our capacity. Now, 700 more children each year can experience the joy of many firsts at Cottage by the Sea, surrounded by positive and supportive role models, helping to set the trajectory for an entirely new path forward in life,” said Wake.

Cottage by the Sea is an independent Australian children’s charity that does not rely on government funding. Its mission is to enhance the lives of children by providing inspiration, fun and opportunity within a holiday environment.

To maintain its high quality of children’s programs while the need to support more children increases dramatically, Cottage needs the generosity and philanthropic support of individuals, trusts and corporations.