A group of Maleny businesses has come together this year to launch a new Pay It Forward Christmas Program supporting survivors of domestic violence. Hinterland Float & Wellness, Kashmiah, Cura by Kyowa, Larissa Bright Australia, The Maleny Bookshop and Fable & Fray have partnered to make it easier for locals to give directly to women who often leave unsafe homes with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing,
The idea for the program grew out of lived experience on the frontline. Having spent many years working in policing, including family violence work, Debra from Hinterland Float and Wellness knows first-hand how critical support is in those first days and weeks when someone has made the decision to leave. “You never forget the reality of what people are facing,” she said. “Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can be the thing that helps them take the next step and keep moving forward.”
Customers can purchase a gift voucher — either for a specific treatment or product, or simply a dollar amount — at any participating business. All vouchers will be delivered to Speak Up Now!, a local organisation dedicated to preventing domestic and family violence and supporting survivors across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The goal is simple: offer dignity, choice and a moment of relief during a time of year that can be especially difficult. The participating businesses hope the community will rally behind the initiative and help ensure that local women starting over this Christmas feel seen, supported, and not alone.
