Dear SHINE supporter,

Earlier this year I was privileged to accept an invitation from SHINE for Kids to adopt the role of the organisation's official Ambassador.

Many of you may be more familiar with me as 'Prisoner Number: 329-460', the formidable Bea Smith, in FremantleMedia Australia's hit television series, Wentworth.

My time in the show and the research involved has taught me much about life in prison, but like for so many of us, I knew little of the plight of the children of prisoners – which SHINE for Kids so accurately describe as the "invisible victims of crime".

These children have done no wrong, yet they still face the stigma, shame and isolation that so often accompanies parental incarceration. Once a parent is imprisoned, children can suddenly find themselves ostracised by their peers and, through no fault of their own, they start to believe they are different to other kids.

This year, as we celebrate Christmas with our family and friends, you may be shocked to know that over 60,000 children of prisoners throughout Australia will be facing this time alone, without their Mum or Dad.

I am writing to ask you to help show these kids that they are not alone and that we care.

This year SHINE for Kids has supported 4,473 children of prisoners, at a cost of $608.55 per child. You can help make the holiday season much brighter for these children through a tax deductable donation, which can be made online or by phoning (02) 9714 3000.

Any support you – or your family, friends or colleagues – can offer will make a difference to these children this Christmas.

As we come to the end of what has been a tremendous year of providing Support, Hope, Inspiration, Nurturing and Empowerment for children, I would like to sincerely thank you for your continued support in helping us to help children SHINE.

It really is a joint effort, one which we cannot achieve without your support.

Thank you for the generosity you have shown throughout the year and I wish you and your family a safe and a very Merry Christmas.

Yours sincerely,

Danielle Cormack
Ambassador, SHINE for Kids