Bereaved father and cafe owner Jason Salvo will be hoping that third time’s the charm when he holds the third annual Gabriela’s at the Grove fundraiser this Saturday 19 October 2024 for Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Month.
Raising much needed funds for Red Nose’s bereavement support services, ground-breaking research and lifesaving education to help save little lives, the business owner and two-time outstanding cafe local business award winner says the inspiration behind the fundraiser is his daughter Gabriella, who sadly was born still in May 2020.
“We wanted to highlight to our family, friends and our community that our daughter is and will always be a part of our family and story even though her life was so short,” said Jason
“It is so beautiful to hear so many locals say her name out loud when referring to our business and for this to be a cafe that families, especially many children, enjoy coming to.
“This year’s fundraiser will be even more special - Gabriella’s youngest brother, Marco, who we welcomed in May this year, will be there to enjoy the day with us,” Jason said.
Gabriella’s presence is felt in the passion that Jason brings each day for his customers. It’s also this same passion that drives Jason and mum Noelia to hold yearly fundraisers for Red Nose.
“We were supported by Red Nose from the moment our darling passed away. For any parent, losing a baby unexpectedly and experiencing the grief many months and years after the loss can be challenging and heartbreaking,” Jason says.
Sadly, 3,000 little lives are lost suddenly and unexpectedly each year and it is estimated that one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Red Nose CEO, Keren Ludski, says that Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month is a way to honour the little lives gone too soon.
“This October, we acknowledge the thousands of Australian families who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or a baby. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month gives families the chance to come together to honour their children and connect with other families who have experienced similar grief.”
Gabriella’s at the Grove fundraiser will be held this Saturday 19 October, from 7am to 4pm, at 31 Seymour Street, Hurstville Grove. The community will come alive with live music, face painters and a jumping castle for the children. Proceeds from sales of bacon and egg rolls, sweets and coffees will be going to Red Nose.
The Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line is available 24/7 for anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth or death of a baby or child on 1300 308 307.
Media contact: Maria Salvador at mariasalvador@rednose.org.au or call 0402 941 493.