“There’s no words to express the depth of our appreciation and gratitude for what you’ve allowed us to have”

Luke is a husband, father of two and dog dad to one very big girl. His voice is thick with emotion.  

“You’ve given our family a real Christmas and we’ll never forget it.”  

His words are a powerful testament to the impact that the members of Fox & Hare have had on his and many other families’ lives this Christmas, throughout 2024 and beyond.  

But just two years ago, things looked very different for Luke’s family.  

Helaina, Luke’s wife, was 33 weeks pregnant with her first daughter. With just five weeks to go, they found themselves homeless and living in a temporary shelter run by Fox & Hare partner charity, Hobart City Mission.  

The young couple’s world had been turned upside down. They were desperate. “We tried everything we could to find a place to live,” Helaina shared, “but… we were just being told to wait.”  

Their situation was dire, and the clock was ticking.

The couple had five weeks to find a home in the midst of a national housing crisis. They knew that if they didn’t find a place before the baby was born, she would be taken into state custody – a terrifying situation. 

“If it wasn’t for Safe Space (Hobart City Mission’s shelter) we would have been living in the car,” Luke shares, a stark reminder of the program’s crucial role. “It was my biggest fear that when she [baby Scarlett] did come, we would still be at Safe Space with nowhere to go,” Helaina says. 

Yet, even in the worst situations, the kindness and spirit of camaraderie between everyday Australians shines through. They found friendship and companionship in Steve, a fellow resident at Safe Space, and his loyal dog, Bella.  During their struggle, they found connection and support – a reminder that they were not completely alone. 

 

In a nutshell:

• Two years ago Luke & Helaina found themselves homeless just five weeks away from the birth of their first daughter.
• Fox & Hare’s mission to ‘create a more equal world’ extends beyond supporting Australia’s 20-45 year olds to buy property, get invested and achieve financial freedom. It also means supporting organisations that help lift children and young people out of poverty .
• Becoming a member at Fox & Hare does not only mean taking a positive step toward a future where you’ll experience less uncertainty, more security, and be empowered to live a life that you love. Your membership will also extend those opportunities to many others who might otherwise miss out: book now

 

 

Just ten days before she was born, we got the news. 

“The ideal outcome was to find a two-bedroom place,” Luke said. And this is where Hobart City Mission, supported by everyday Australians, taxpayers and business partners like Fox & Hare, lived up to their promise, becoming a catalyst for change in the family’s lives. 

Just ten days before Scarlett was born, Hobart City Mission helped Luke and Helaina secure a home. It was a monumental victory – but only the beginning of their journey. 

While they were searching for their new home, having the temporary safety net of Safe Space was a lifesaver. “We weren’t left waiting a week or two with nowhere to go,” Luke expresses, highlighting the peace of mind and physical security the program (and others like it) provide for those in crisis.  

Luke & Helaina’s story emphasises the importance of our social safety net, the programs that nurture it, and the critical role of external support from organisations like Fox & Hare to ensure these opportunities remain accessible. A more equal Australia is one where a sudden and unexpected shock does not mean losing your family.

How easy would it have been for Luke and Helaina to spiral out of control after the trauma of losing their child? Thankfully, we don’t have to find out.  

“Without the help we got, we wouldn’t have found this place. We wouldn’t have our family, and we wouldn’t have a place to live for this Christmas. We are so grateful” 

Sadly, shortly after they moved into their new home and welcomed their first daughter, Scarlett, their new friend Steve passed away.  

In a profound act of compassion, Luke and Helaina adopted his dog, Bella. Ensuring Steve’s beloved companion was finally able to escape homelessness, too. The spirit of paying it forward is alive and well in 2024, it seems. 

 

“There’s no word to express the depth our gratitude…” 

Fast forward two years, and the transformation is remarkable.  

Luke and Helaina, now a family of four with the addition of their second daughter, Autumn, are preparing for a joyous Christmas together in their home. A stark contrast to the uncertainty and fear they faced just two short years ago. 

Gifts provided by Hobart City Mission’s Christmas Assistance Program (CAP) have added another layer of joy to their holiday.  

“There’s no words to express the depth of our appreciation and gratitude for what you’ve allowed us to have,” Luke repeats, this time referring to the support they received through CAP.  

A $14,000 donation, made on behalf of Fox & Hare’s members, helped provide gifts and create a “real Christmas” for Luke, Helaina, Scarlett, and Autumn. “You’ve given our family a real Christmas and we’ll never forget it,” Luke adds, his gratitude palpable. 

Today, Luke & Helaina’s lives are filled with positive milestones.  

They marvel at Scarlett’s first steps, her infectious laughter as she navigates the world around her. They cherish the simple joys of having a friendly neighbour, someone they can rely on, just a friendly chat away. They appreciate the convenience of a nearby childcare center, a place where their daughters can learn and grow. 

 

Luke and Helaina’s reality is more than just a heartwarming story.  

It’s a powerful reminder of the difference that positive choices can make.  

“Our members’ choice to work with Fox & Hare means they’re not only taking a positive step toward a future where they’ll experience less uncertainty, more security, and be empowered to live a life that they love for themselves. They’re also extending those opportunities to many others who might otherwise miss out’ says Liam Hartley, Fox & Hare Community & Marketing Lead. 

“On their behalf, a portion of Fox & Hare’s revenues are distributed among programs that lift children and young people – just like Luke & Helaina’s family – out of poverty, giving them the opportunity to pursue an education, a career, and a life that they love.  

When you become a member with Fox & Hare, you can be certain that your success will make the world a better place!” 

This Christmas, as Luke, Helaina, and their two beautiful daughters gather around their tree, surrounded by the love and warmth of their home, they will be forever grateful for the support that helped them get there.  

And, the members of Fox & Hare can share in that gratitude, knowing they played a vital role in making sure that not only Luke and Helaina’s, but many hundreds of other Christmases, and futures, are bright.