RAW, POWERFUL, HEARTBREAKING & HOPEFUL

Today’s charity BBQ in the Brisbane office was a little bit different from the usual scene. The team had the opportunity to listen to domestic violence victim Rachael Moore tell her harrowing story of how her children saved her from her estranged husband as he loaded a shotgun, shot Ms Moore, shattered her shoulder, and then proceeded to strangle her. 57 surgeries later, Rachael and her children are hopeful for a safe future.

Ms Moore was a guest of Paynters today, along with team members from Women’s Legal Service Qld, Natalie Davidson and Jess Lydiard.

For the entire year of 2019, the Paynters Foundation have hosted monthly BBQ’s, raising money for Women’s Legal Service (WLS); a free legal and welfare service for women and their children in Queensland suffering domestic violence.

“It was our absolute pleasure to hand over a cheque for $3000 to Women’s Legal Service Qld, a charity that truly deserves it.” said Paynters Director, Nigel Gardiner.

“WLS has provided over 30,000 services this year alone and continue to do amazing things in the community. Listening to Rachael’s story was incredibly powerful and there wouldn’t have been a dry eye in the room. It’s important to hear these raw stories so that people realise that domestic violence can happen to anyone.”

Speaking with WLS’s Fundraising Manager, Natalie Davidson she said, “everyone plays a role in addressing domestic violence. We really appreciate the support and willingness of the Paynters team to raise awareness and help us throughout this year, they have even climbed 1040 steps in our August River to Rooftop challenge!  The Paynters team should be really proud of how they are so proactive about these tough issues.”

The Paynters team completed the River to Rooftop stair climb back in August, an event orchestrated by WLS which saw the community raise $120,000. Paynters nominated 26 climbers in 2019 & we hope to double that in 2020, coming back stronger than ever!

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. The Women’s Legal Service free Helpline operates Monday to Friday on 1800 957 957. There is also the 24 hour line through DV Connect Womensline 1800 811 811 or Mensline 1800 600 636.

To read more about Rachael’s story & her children’s recent medal of courage awards click here.