Spring/Summer 2011
Philip Scales retires as President of Time for Kids The Society’s original role was to match ‘sponsors’ with institutionalised children who were unvisited and alone, and whose future prospects were limited by their circumstances. As the homes closed down the need remained, and in 1976 Philip Scales joined the Society’s Management Committee to contribute his expertise and enthusiasm to his parents’ vision. In 1977 Philip was elected President, a position he held until retiring at the 2011 Annual General Meeting.
Philip Scales celebrating Time for Kids 50th anniversary with Time for Kids Ambassador, Erik Thomson, at the Adelaide Town Hall in 2010.
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ifting through the Time for Kids archives is a sobering experience. Among the handwritten minutes and neatly penned ledgers are lists of children's names, mostly boys. All of them alone. Of the approximately 200 children who were living at Glandore and Seaforth Children’s Homes in the early 1960s, the children listed were those who were without family or visitors. Unsurprisingly – and perhaps inevitably – they were children that SA Juvenile Court Magistrate, William Scales, would ultimately see in his court. Rather than simply mete out sentences to these young offenders, William Scales sought a solution to
the apparently intractable problem of youth delinquency, and a way to give these children the chance of a better life. To that end, in 1960 he and his wife Betty established the ‘Society of Sponsors’, which evolved into the Time for Kids of today.
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For more than 35 years, Philip has been working to improve the lives of children in-need in South Australia.
During his years with Time for Kids, both the organisation and the South Australian community have seen many changes. The needs of children, however, remain the same. ‘During life we make various friends,’ wrote William Scales in 1962. ‘Some endure and some we lose sight of, but all add warmth to our lives and develop our confidence. So a Sponsor may be a temporary friend or he may be a permanent one, but whichever he may be, he has often been the first friend to help some child up the ladder of life, the first to show that child he is of value.’ For more than 35 years, Philip has been working to improve the lives of children in-need in South Australia – a drive he has inherited from his parents and passed onto his children. Continued on page 2
knowing that these strengths have resulted in quality care being provided to thousands of children whose lives have been positively changed and opportunities given to them.’ Fortunately for Time for Kids, Philip will continue his involvement with the organisation through the newly created Time for Kids Foundation and as a member of the Mentors Matter Assessment panel. ‘Time for Kids is well equipped, with Jo Wickes leading our capable staff and an energetic, committed and well qualified board, to take its operations to the next level, but it will be a challenge,’ said Philip. ‘It has been a privilege to be part of such significant operation.’ Ben, Bibby and Philip Scales at the launch of ‘It’s about Time: Giving Kids a break’ Continued from front page
extinction many years ago as one of the most satisfying.
‘I have been most fortunate to have had the constant support and ‘At that time, large organisations were encouragement of my wife Bibby and our being encouraged by government to take sons Peter and Ben,’ said Philip. over child care operations of smaller voluntary entities,’ explains Philip. ‘Peter is an Ambassador and Ben has now been elected President. I hasten to ‘We were able to convince the relevant add that neither appointment resulted minister who in turn convinced the from urging on my part! government that smaller specifically focused organisations were extremely ‘I know both of them possess the relevant and cost effective, and we qualities needed, but it is gratifying that survived.’ the board recognises this to be so as well.’ When Time for Kids went on to win the national 2009 Australian Crime and A Management Board member since Violence Prevention Award, the 2009, Ben Scales assumes the role of organisation’s effectiveness was further President at a challenging time. vindicated. Despite dealing with complex Community need is greater than ever, problems under often challenging and testing economic conditions require conditions, Time for Kids has continued exceptional levels of creativity and to thrive. resourcefulness by the community sector. Philip cites seeing the organisation grow to its present strength as especially Fortunately, for more than 50 years, satisfying, including the capacity Time for Kids has proven itself to be up and commitment of carers, to the challenge. mentors, staff, board, ambassadors and supporters. Among the highlights of his presidency, Philip cites overcoming the threat of ‘Most importantly,’ said Philip, ‘is
Under the careful stewardship of Ben Scales, Time for Kids will continue to provide quality care and support to disadvantaged children in South Australia. ‘I am very proud of my father’s commitment and leadership over such a long period of time,’ said Ben. ‘The organisation is in a very strong position thanks to him and all of those who have contributed, yet like many notfor-profits, we are vulnerable at the same time. ‘The need for our services will never diminish; with the changing face of society we are seeing new challenges arise. Through our committed staff and board we are well placed to tackle these demands, determined to not only continue offering support to South Australian children in need, but to offer greater choices and open up more possibilities.’ Like his grandfather and father before him, Ben will lead Time for Kids to ensure that even more children in South Australia are helped “up the ladder of life”, and that they have access to opportunities, friendship and support.
Time for Kids volunteers awarded for services to their community At Time for Kids, we know what an extraordinary and life-changing contribution our volunteer carers and mentors make to the lives of young South Australians. This contribution was recently recognised when Time for Kids carers, Sharon McLellan and Tim Brett, won an Annual Southern Suburbs Volunteer Service Award: “Saluting Volunteers in the South”. Sharon and Tim have been volunteer carers with Time for Kids since 2009, and have shared their time with a young girl living in challenging circumstances. Sharon and Tim have made a positive difference in this child’s life by doing simple dayto-day things like collecting shells at the beach or feeding ducks at the park. Through the simple act of regularly sharing time, a little girl’s life has been turned around for the better. There are lots of ways you can support the wonderful volunteers who are the heart of Time for Kids. To find out how you can help, or to receive information about volunteering as a carer or mentor with Time for Kids, call our office on 8362 6311 or email info@timeforkids.com.au
Thanks to extraordinary support from SA businesses, wine makers and the Lion Hotel, the 2011 Lionhearts Lunch was a fantastic success. Led by the inimitable Bernie Booth, the silent auction raised almost $20,000. This extraordinary total is thanks to the generosity of the individuals and businesses who donated a stunning array of auction items, including: renowned local artist, David Dridan; Jim Whalley and Melinda O’Leary from Nova Systems; Martin Palmer from the Highway; Damien and Anna Brown from Kangaroo Creek Lodges; Andrew and Georgina Hardy from the Bridgewater Mill, Brett and Sarah Matthews from
the Stirling Hotel; Simon Rowe from the Princess Royal; Ross McDonald from Weber; Paul Fitzgerald from Shak and Ben Scales from Jarvis Walker. South Australian winemakers donated an amazing array of fine wine to entice guests to the event. On offer were wines from: Pertaringa; Hugo Wines; Peter Lehmann Wines; Bleasdale; Gemtree; Wirra Wirra; Yalumba; Angus Vineyards; Dog Ridge; Hardy’s; Woodstock; Heartland; Houghton Wines; Glaetzer; Penfolds; Rymill; Shaw + Smith; Will Taylor; Pindarie; Tapanappa; Hewitson; d’Arenberg; Eden Valley; Rumball Wines; Dowie Doole; Basedow;
Kangarilla Rd; Henschke; Sturt Ridge; Petaluma; Stonier Pinot; Knappstein; Murdoch Hill; Hedonist Wines; Shingleback Wines; Grossett-Hill Smith and O’Leary Walker. Regular supporters, Lion Nathan, once again provided cleansing ales. Our thanks to the Lion’s Tim Gregg, who was an outstanding host and MC, the fantastic Time for Kids Fundraising Committee led by Georgina Hardy, and to the Lion’s staff who provided their usual excellent standard of service. Almost $34,000 was raised from the lunch – an outstanding total that will provide life-changing benefits to Time for Kids children.
Can you help a child feel special this Christmas?
Bendigo Bank Norwood Branch Manager, Claudia Giglio with Time for Kids CEO, Jo Wickes.
Each Christmas we strive to ensure that all The very first Time for Kids tree was Time for Kids children and their families are delivered to the Norwood Branch of the able to participate in Christmas celebrations. Bendigo Bank, where staff and customers are making it a happier Christmas for We give a toy or gift to each child and their children in SA by collecting toys and food siblings who are involved with Time for Kids, hamper items. as well as those on the waiting list still seeking carers and mentors. We also To contribute to their Time for Kids provide a food hamper to make sure there is Christmas drive, simply visit Bendigo Bank food for the family on Christmas Day. on Norwood Parade, select a tag from the tree and choose a gift, or donate nonBy displaying the enclosed flyer at your perishable food to the collection box. workplace, community group or school you can help us make sure no child misses out For more information about how you can this Christmas. help, contact the Time for Kids office. Together, we can make it a great Christmas The flyer has a range of ways to contribute, for disadvantaged kids in South Australia. including displaying a Time for Kids Christmas Tree decorated with tags listing each child’s age and gender.
The Time for Kids team Time for Kids has an enthusiastic and committed team of over 110 families and individuals caring for children across South Australia. If you haven’t met all of the Time for Kids team I’d like to introduce them to you now. The team responsible for assisting children and their families to participate in Time for Kids is made up of Lena Malmstedt and Kaii Zecchin, while Karen Fairbank takes great care of all Time for Kids mentors and mentees. The team with responsibility for assisting volunteer carers and their families to undertake their important roles are Karolina Carr, Jo Hall and Lucy Seppelt.
All of these staff are ably led in their work by the Manager of Lucy Seppelt, Children’s and Carers Services, Kaii Zecchin, Mia Clifford. Lena Malmstedt, Karen Fairbank & Jo Hall
Supporting the Children and Carers’ Services teams are Book Keeper, Lynne Kennedy and Office Mia Clifford, Karolina Carr, Manager, Anne Linke. We welcome your contact at any time and our team will be happy to help you with all matters great and small.
Anne Linke, Lynne Kennedy & Jo Wickes
Remember we’re here to help and we look forward to seeing you and speaking to you soon.
Jo Wickes, CEO
Time for Kids 72 Fullarton Rd Norwood SA 5067 PO Box 932 Kent Town SA 5071 P: 08 8362 6311 | F: 08 8362 6711 E: info@timeforkids.com.au www.timeforkids.com.au Our office is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Give us a call or call in—we’d love to see you!
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