Meet the 2024 HACCI Community Service Award Winner: Ana Darras from TLC for Kids

TLC for Kids has been a beacon of hope for sick children and their families, making a profound impact over 16.3 million times since 1998. Our dream is simple – a world where kids can just be kids. But in the real world, where challenges persist, we’re here to bridge the gap, helping kids navigate tough journeys and showing families they’re never alone.

The joy families feel knowing someone has their back, the sense of fulfilment our donors experience in making a real difference – it’s truly immeasurable. Every day, our team shows up with one purpose: to bring out the best in humanity by fostering kindness, compassion, and support for children and their families. Together, this is how we make a difference.

How Our Program Director is helping sick kids and their families

The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI), established in Victoria in 1985, has been a vital force in fostering strong economic and cultural ties between Australia and Greece. From networking functions to investment seminars and trade delegations, HACCI plays an essential role in bringing together professionals and businesses, building collaboration and growth across nations.

At TLC for Kids, we know the power of connections and advocacy. Our founders, Tim Conolan AM and Ana Darras AM, are tireless in championing our mission to be the most inclusive children’s charity across Australia and New Zealand. This dedication led to Ana being nominated for, and ultimately winning, the 2024 HACCI Community Service Award, a testament to the incredible work we do for children and their families.

For Ana, this award isn’t just about recognition – it’s about shining a light on the families and children who too often fall through the cracks of bureaucracy and restrictive criteria. Since day one, TLC for Kids has stood for one thing: helping children without limitations or excuses. You can learn more about what makes us different here.

Feel free to read Ana’s speech. It warms our hearts knowing we have strong leaders like Ana in this world doing the real work every day:

“Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and fellow Hellenes,

I stand before you deeply humbled to accept the 2024 HACCI Community Service Award. But this award is not mine alone – it belongs to the entire TLC for Kids team. Their tireless efforts have brought moments of light into the darkest days for countless children and families.

At TLC for Kids, we walk alongside families facing the unimaginable. We’ve seen children too young to understand why they hurt and parents forced to make decisions no parent should ever have to make. It is these moments – the ones filled with fear, sadness, and helplessness – that drive us. Every child deserves care, comfort, and love, even when life feels unbearably unfair.

This award only deepens our commitment to be there for every child – from their first diagnosis to, heartbreakingly, their last moments. But we can’t do this alone. We need you. Your time, your resources, and even the smallest act of kindness can mean the world to a child in pain. Together, we can build a community where no child feels forgotten, and no family is left to face hardship alone.

I am grateful beyond words to my parents, who taught me the value of our Greek heritage and Filotimo, and to my brother, who has always stood by my side. And to my life partner, Tim Conolan – thank you for your patience, love, and understanding. Living with a Greek Australian, as you know, is a journey in itself!

If you’re thinking of supporting a children’s charity, I ask you to consider TLC for Kids. We are there from the first cry of diagnosis to their final breath – ensuring no child faces their journey without comfort and care.

We didn’t come this far to only come this far!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

-Ana

Let’s get involved in helping children in Australia and New Zealand

This achievement is only possible because of people like you – our supporters, advocates, and kind-hearted donors. Together, we’ve made a world of difference, but the journey doesn’t end here.

If you’re inspired by Ana’s story or the mission of TLC for Kids, we invite you to get involved. Whether it’s through volunteering as a paramedic, donating, or simply spreading the word, your actions have the power to transform lives.

Join us in ensuring no child or family feels alone during their toughest times. Visit our Get Involved page or make a contribution today through our Online Donation Page.

Every moment matters, and with your support, we can continue to create moments of joy, relief, and hope for children and their families.

Together, let’s do more.