Path of Hope Foundation update

The Path of Hope Foundation (“POHF”) actively works to break the intergenerational cycle of family violence (“FV”) by supporting The Salvation Army (“TSA”) in its frontline efforts. Through awareness-raising, strategic initiatives, and volunteer engagement, POHF contributes to long-term change and tangible outcomes for victims and survivors of FV.
CURRENT BOARD
 
Rebecca Tolstoy – Founder/Chairman
Prof Garry Allison - Director
Ray Simpson CA – Director/Secretary
Brendan Watson CPA – Treasurer

PERTH ROTARY PATH OF HOPE WA COMMITTEE  
 
Ray Simpson – Chair
Rebecca Tolstoy  
Prof Garry Allison  
Warren Palmer   (The Salvation Army & RCP member)
Judi Moylan 

 
 
McCusker Centre for Citizenship UWA Interns
  • Agreement between POHF, MCC & UWA whereby undergrads and postgrad students volunteer 100hrs of time to assist various organisations
  • 55 Students so far have assisted POHF in the program – 1 has received a MCC award
  • Structured mentoring by RT, GA and JM, timesheets completed, etc
 
  • Working on:
    • The HOPE Report
    • Hyde Park Festival (“HPF”)
    • Website
    • Marketing
    • Donations/Kmart ordering
The HOPE Report
  • Annual Report summarising research of actions by various countries in relation to FV
  • 2024 first year completed
  • 2025 completed and launch will be on 20 August, 2025 – invite will be sent to all RCP members
Hyde Park Festival
 
  • Run by North Perth Rotary (NPR) for 37 yrs
  • Site, marquee, tables and chairs provided by NPR free
  • Education and awareness of FV
  • Kids Quiz – Alice in Wonderland in 2025
  • Fashion Show of clothes from Salvos Stores
  • Several RCP members and friends volunteered including RYE student Abby
TSA Womens Refuge Boutique
 
  • A storeroom to provide clothes to women and children entering the refuge
  • Several volunteers for last 2 years
  • MKDC designed refit of storage shelving.
  • Shelving donated by IKEA
Starter Packs (Kitchen set) and Evening Kits
  • Donations received from businesses, individuals and other Rotary Clubs
  • Packs of new products purchased from Kmart for the women and children
  • $10,000 of products purchased for new womens refuge in Karratha from donation from North Perth RC, $5,000 in Memory of Beatrice Cervi and $5,000 from Simon Creek and smaller donations during the year
  • New system to track and respond to donations, purchases and deliveries designed by RT and the interns from MCC
 
Christmas Gifts Appeal
  • Ongoing for several years managed by Helen Leach
  • Rolled out through numerous pharmacies
  • Collection assisted by several people including NPR
 
Other Rotary Clubs Involved
  • Significant assistance by North Perth RC
Lived Experience Advisory Committee – Path of Hope Foundation
 
The Lived Experience Advisory Committee of the Path of Hope Foundation Board provides strategic insight and guidance to strengthen the Foundation’s mission to break the intergenerational cycle of family violence. The Committee comprises individuals with lived experience of family violence who have gone on to educate themselves through university and now work professionally in the sector. This collaborative body plays a vital role in ensuring the Foundation’s work is informed by best practice, real-world insight, and the evolving needs of the community.

WHERE ROTARIANS AND FRIENDS OF ROTARY CAN SERVE THE COMMUNITY:
 
  • Volunteer This Christmas – Support Helen’s Christmas Appeal
  • Help bring hope and dignity to women and children affected by family and domestic violence this festive season.
  • Each year, Path of Hope Christmas Gift collection is run by Helen Leach, a community initiative to collect and deliver Christmas gifts for families living or receiving support from The Salvation Army refuges or services across Western Australia.
We are calling on volunteers to assist with the collection and coordination of donated gifts from participating Wizard Pharmacies and Rotary drop-off points across Perth and Karratha.
 
How You Can Help:
  • Pick up gifts from local collection points (dates and locations to be confirmed).
  • Deliver gifts to The Salvation Army refuges (Perth Metro or regional drop-offs).
  • Assist with sorting and preparing items at central locations (if required).
  • Spread the word in your networks and encourage donations (toys, vouchers, self-care items, etc.).
 
Appeal Period:

1 November – 10 December 2025
 
Get Involved:  To express interest or find out more, please email Helen Leach at helenleach@yahoo.com or 0419 173 692 Together, we can bring joy, choice, and a sense of normalcy to families in crisis this Christmas.