$25,000

donated by Ducas-Paul

4 months ago

$20,000

donated by The

7 months ago

$3,500

donated by Applewood

7 months ago

$2,500

donated by Hadfield

7 months ago

$600

donated by Noel

7 months ago

$150

donated by Ian

8 months ago

$1,000

donated by Margaret

8 months ago

$100

donated by Catherine

8 months ago

$50

donated by Joy

8 months ago

$50

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$750

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$25

donated by Charmaine

8 months ago

$100

donated by Crenagh

8 months ago

$300

donated by Jill

8 months ago

$25,000

donated by D

8 months ago

$10,000

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$20

donated by Megan

8 months ago

$50

donated by Mary

8 months ago

$100

donated by Ruth

8 months ago

$100

donated by Amanda

8 months ago

$15,000

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$5,000

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$5,000

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$200

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$2,000

donated by Martin

8 months ago

$86

donated by Van

8 months ago

$20

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$50

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$200

donated by Daniel

8 months ago

$50

donated by Sarah

8 months ago

$100

donated by John

8 months ago

$50

donated by Jacqui

8 months ago

$15,000

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$15,000

donated by The

8 months ago

$100

donated by Andrew

8 months ago

$50

donated by Graham

8 months ago

$150

donated by Glenroy

8 months ago

$50

donated by Faye

8 months ago

$15,000

donated by Anonymous

8 months ago

$50

donated by Bernadette

8 months ago

One day

DOUBLE the impact

From 9am–9pm on Tuesday, March 3, every donation to Cottage by the Sea was doubled, helping fund the delivery, access support and safe, confidence-building experiences at Cottage by the Sea and our NEW Riptide facility.

$642,447

raised of $450,000 goal

100%

Thanks to 308 supporters

Thank you, Cottage community!

Our community has made something truly incredible happen.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and matching donors, we didn’t just reach our Giving Day goal – we exceeded it!

This extraordinary result means we can provide even more children and families experiencing vulnerability with support, respite, connection and positive experiences at Cottage by the Sea.

While our matched giving has now closed, we are still accepting donations – and every dollar continues to make a meaningful difference.

We are deeply grateful to every single person who made this possible. Thank you for helping us give more children and families a break.

DOUBLE your donation

From 9am–9pm on Tuesday, March 3,
every donation was doubled.

Secure Payment

Cultivating confidence for life

Confidence opens pathways to education, employment and a fulfilling life. And it often starts with one small moment of bravery.

Parents and teachers consistently report increased confidence in children after Cottage programs, and the ripple effects extend far beyond the individual.

When a child returns home with stronger self-belief, their family and friends feel the shift too. When a child re-engages at school, teachers and peers witness that growth. And when a child carries that confidence into adulthood, it changes what they believe is possible.

Reflections on our programs

“We can’t teach the skills they learned at Cottage in a classroom. I’ve seen students challenge themselves, build stronger relationships, develop resilience and have so much fun."

"Living hours away from the coast has meant some of these children have never seen the ocean before. One student commented, ‘I was so scared on the boat, but I am so proud of myself for having a go.’"

_{Take a Break program visiting teacher}

What your Giving Day donation will fund

Your donation (doubled for Giving Day) helps fund the people, delivery and support that make Cottage programs possible for more children, including:

Program delivery & support

Activities, materials, transport and facilitation that help children build confidence, friendships and joy.

Respite support for families

Practical support that helps families breathe, reset and reconnect.

Staffing & supervision

A safe haven, trusted relationships and the support children need to try something new.

Wellbeing experiences by the sea

Outdoor inspiration, confidence-building opportunities, connection and happy memories in a seaside environment.

Thanks to our matching donors

Bulls & Bears Golf Group, Ducas-Paul Foundation, Geelong Connected Communities and Shine On Foundation, in addition to anonymous philanthropic foundations and individuals.

Thanks to our supporters

Ducas-Paul Foundation

$25,000

4 months ago

The Dwyer Foundation

$20,000

“Donation pledge from Giving Day”

7 months ago

Applewood Craft Group

$3,500

7 months ago

Hadfield Community Activities Group

$2,500

7 months ago

Noel Boniface

$600

“Giving Day 3rd March”

7 months ago

Ian and Jeanette Hudson Ian and Jeanette Hudson

$150

8 months ago

Margaret & Ian Hunter

$1,000

8 months ago

Catherine Bowman

$100

8 months ago

Frequently asked questions

Isn’t the building already funded?

Riptide is now open. This Giving Day is about what happens next. Donations fund the programs, staffing, access support and experiences that allow more children (and families) to benefit from our expanded capacity.

When will my donation be doubled?

On Tuesday, March 3 from 9am–9pm, every gift will be doubled by generous matching donors.

What will my donation support?

Your gift helps fund program delivery, participation support, safe supervision and wellbeing experiences – the moments that help children build confidence and connection.

Can I help if I can’t donate much?

Yes. Every gift matters and on Giving Day – it goes twice as far. You can also share this page with your friends, family or workplace to help more children benefit.