A break for families, a day of joy for kids: Inside the Vinnies Buddies Day program

For many families supported by Vinnies, weekends aren’t about leisure—they’re about survival. For single parents escaping domestic violence or families navigating housing instability, even a single day of breathing room can make a world of difference.

That’s where Buddies Day comes in.

Buddies Day is a respite program offering fun-filled outings for children aged 5–12 who are experiencing hardship. While the kids head off for a day of adventure and connection, their caregivers are given the gift of time—time to attend appointments, search for housing, take a class, or simply rest.

“The idea is really simple,” says Alysha Wong-O’Connor, Youth Engagement Officer at Vinnies NSW. “We give these families—many of whom are doing it incredibly tough—a day off. We take the kids somewhere fun or educational, like the aquarium or bowling. We’ve even started doing escape rooms, which the kids absolutely love.”

Children are referred into the program by Vinnies volunteers, support services, or school counsellors. Many come from refuge housing or other temporary accommodation. While the kids enjoy games and laughter, the day also serves a much deeper purpose.

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At the heart of every Buddies Day is a passionate team of youth volunteers, many from Vinnies’ young adult conferences. These volunteers are all over 18, have completed Youth Program Training, and hold both a Working with Children Check and a National Criminal History Check.

They’re not just supervisors—they’re active participants and positive role models who join in on games, crafts, and adventures alongside the children.

“Honestly, they connect better with the kids that way,” says Alysha. “Just because it’s less of an age gap, and it feels a little bit less intimidating. It’s like having a big brother or sister for the day. That connection makes all the difference.”

The volunteers’ warmth, enthusiasm and presence help create a safe and welcoming environment—one where children can relax, play, and feel truly supported.

Finding Creative Ways to Do More

Like many community initiatives, Buddies Day operates with restricted funding. But that hasn’t stopped the team from making every event count. Instead, they’ve embraced creative planning and partnerships to ensure the program continues to deliver joy and support.

“We’ve had to make a few changes, but we’re determined to keep it going,” Alysha says. “We’ve started running some Buddies Days during the school holidays instead of weekends—that helps reduce staffing costs, and it’s just as fun for the kids.”

Another smart adaptation has been partnering with local schools. Instead of heading out to paid venues, Vinnies collaborates with high schools to host in-house activity days—complete with games, crafts, and performances.

A July 2025 event hosted by Tangara School for Girls was one such example, where students and volunteers worked together to deliver a magical day full of laughter and creativity.

The Days That Stay With You

Each Buddies Day leaves its mark—not just on the kids, but on everyone involved. And while the activities may vary, the feeling is always the same: excitement, wonder, and the comfort of being cared for.

In March 2025, the first metro Buddies Day of the year took children to the Sydney Aquarium, where they explored sea life exhibits and asked curious questions.

In April, Easter celebrations at De La Salle Caringbah College brought out big smiles, especially when the Easter Bunny made a surprise visit.

“One of our little Buddies even lost their first tooth on the day,” Alysha shared. “It was one of those moments that everyone will remember.”

A June visit to the Sydney Wildlife Centre saw children pet a kangaroo and quiz rangers about Australian flora and fauna.

And the October 2024 Halloween Buddies Day at Amelie Housing Penrith was a hit, with costumes and trick-or-treating remaining the most requested event of the year.

“The kids love getting dressed up,” says Alysha. “The adult volunteers get into it too. There’s just this buzz—you can feel how special it is to them.”

Lasting Impact

Though the program lasts just one day, the impact lingers far beyond the closing activity. For a child who’s experienced instability or trauma, a day of laughter and attention can help rebuild trust, boost confidence, and create memories that carry them forward.

“The kids absolutely love it,” Alysha says. “I’m constantly getting messages from VSCs and safe houses asking, ‘When’s the next one?’”

The feedback is clear: Buddies Day fills a gap that’s too often overlooked. It gives parents space to recover and rebuild, and gives children what every child deserves—a chance to just be a kid.

Want to help make Buddies Day possible?

You can help to support programs like this by donating to Vinnies NSW or exploring Youth volunteering opportunities.