S 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.

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. 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.

Spring/Summer 2011

Philip Scales retires as President of Time for Kids

Philip Scales celebrating Time for Kids 50th anniversary with Time for Kids

Ambassador, Erik Thomson, at the Adelaide Town Hall in 2010.

‘ For more than 35

years, Philip has

been working to

improve the lives

of children

in-need in

South Australia.

Continued on page 2

Continued from front page

‘I have been most fortunate to have had the constant support and encouragement of my wife Bibby and our sons Peter and Ben,’ said Philip. ‘Peter is an Ambassador and Ben has now been elected President. I hasten to add that neither appointment resulted from urging on my part! ‘I know both of them possess the qualities needed, but it is gratifying that the board recognises this to be so as well.’ A Management Board member since 2009, Ben Scales assumes the role of President at a challenging time. Community need is greater than ever, and testing economic conditions require exceptional levels of creativity and resourcefulness by the community sector. Fortunately, for more than 50 years, Time for Kids has proven itself to be up to the challenge. Among the highlights of his presidency, Philip cites overcoming the threat of

extinction many years ago as one of the most satisfying. ‘At that time, large organisations were being encouraged by government to take over child care operations of smaller voluntary entities,’ explains Philip. ‘We were able to convince the relevant minister who in turn convinced the government that smaller specifically focused organisations were extremely relevant and cost effective, and we survived.’ When Time for Kids went on to win the national 2009 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award, the organisation’s effectiveness was further vindicated. Despite dealing with complex problems under often challenging conditions, Time for Kids has continued to thrive. Philip cites seeing the organisation grow to its present strength as especially satisfying, including the capacity and commitment of carers, mentors, staff, board, ambassadors and supporters. ‘Most importantly,’ said Philip, ‘is

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.’ 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 not-for-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.

Ben, Bibby and Philip Scales at the launch of ‘It’s about Time: Giving Kids a break’

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 day-to-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.

Find us on Facebook

Each Christmas we strive to ensure that all Time for Kids children and their families are able to participate in Christmas celebrations. We give a toy or gift to each child and their siblings who are involved with Time for Kids, as well as those on the waiting list still seeking carers and mentors. We also provide a food hamper to make sure there is food for the family on Christmas Day. By displaying the enclosed flyer at your workplace, community group or school you can help us make sure no child misses out this Christmas. The flyer has a range of ways to contribute, including displaying a Time for Kids Christmas Tree decorated with tags listing each child’s age and gender.

The very first Time for Kids tree was delivered to the Norwood Branch of the Bendigo Bank, where staff and customers are making it a happier Christmas for children in SA by collecting toys and food hamper items. To contribute to their Time for Kids Christmas drive, simply visit Bendigo Bank on Norwood Parade, select a tag from the tree and choose a gift, or donate non-perishable food to the collection box. For more information about how you can help, contact the Time for Kids office. Together, we can make it a great Christmas for disadvantaged kids in South Australia.

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!

The Time for Kids team

Can you help a child feel special this Christmas?

Bendigo Bank Norwood Branch Manager, Claudia Giglio with Time for Kids CEO, Jo Wickes.

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 Children’s and Carers Services, Mia Clifford. Supporting the Children and Carers’ Services teams are Book Keeper, Lynne Kennedy and Office 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. Remember we’re here to help and we look forward to seeing you and speaking to you soon.

Jo Wickes, CEO

Lucy Seppelt, Kaii Zecchin,

Lena Malmstedt, Karen Fairbank

& Jo Hall

Mia Clifford, Karolina Carr,

Anne Linke, Lynne Kennedy

& Jo Wickes