ABOUT US
Our culture at MAD is integral to the way we operate.
Our Board, our volunteers, our ambassadors and most importantly, our beneficiaries all know what it means, and how it feels to be part of the MAD family.
We are guided by our six principles to ensure we continue to strive to make a difference in our community.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1. VOLUNTARY
The MAD Foundation is run entirely by volunteers. We aim to keep costs low and maximise the pass-through of funding in support of beneficiaries.
2. INSPIRING
The spirit of the MAD foundation is truly alive and inspires generosity, participation and fun while helping those who are in need.
3. EFFECTIVE
MAD works directly to bring fast and accessible funding support for equipment and services for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.
4. CONNECTING
MAD collaborates closely with an inclusive and expanding network of partners to raise funds in support of its objective.
5. SUSTAINABLE
Since the beginnings of the Foundation in 2000 the team of volunteers at MAD have personally committed to make a difference to the lives of our beneficiaries.
6. TRUSTED
The board of MAD is committed to absolute integrity in the governance of the foundation and in the fulfillment of its purpose.
MAD 2020 Annual Report
Over its 20 year journey the MAD Foundation has supported hundreds of beneficiaries directly with over $1.7m of equipment and services. MAD is run entirely by volunteers and administration expenses are kept low at 1% of revenue to maximise the funding for beneficiaries.
MAD will continue to operate on 100% voluntary basis, with no salaries, no paid offices, no overheads and lowest admin costs possible. To achieve that MAD depends on the goodwill and support of many and we are lucky to have such amazing people alongside us. Only with you by our side is MAD able to do what is does the WAY it needs to be done.
OUR STORIES
The MAD Foundation has raised in excess of $1.8 Million since 2001. Here are some of our latest stories:
Hudson is a cute, one year old boy. In December 2019, Hudson was admitted to RCH, with a diagnosis of Transverse Myelitis, which resulted in spinal injury, paralysis of legs and bowel and bladder dysfunction. The Royal Children’s Hospital contacted MAD for financial assistance, so Hudson could be discharged from hospital. Getting Hudson back home […]
Siris is an 8 year old boy with cerebral palsy, visual impairment and intellectual disability. Siris is the eldest of 4 children, in a family undergoing difficult circumstances & recent relocation. Their situation saw Siris without equipment and no means for purchase and ineligible for NDIS due to residency status. Some repurposed equipment was accessed […]
The team at Cisco invited Michael Thorn, the Vice President and co-founder of MAD Foundation to attend a Kahoot trivia session and bake-off during lockdown in June. Michael shared with the group about the incredible work that MAD does in helping children with disabilities. The Melbourne branch of Cisco collectively raised $1290 for the foundation through […]
Lily is a 15 year old girl, adopted from Korea by her parents. Lily has autism and an intellectual disability and is non-verbal. Lily unfortunately developed a chronic kidney condition which is treatment resistant. This means treatment every two weeks for a full day of IV infusion, where she must be securely seated and not move around. Lily finds this […]
HOW WE HELP
MAD has funded programs through TLC for Kids, Reach, Whitelion and Western Chances. In recent years the majority of funding has been directed to specific cases identified through the Department of Developmental Medicine at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, plus other hospitals, disability programs and charities.
The Department of Developmental Medicine provides care for children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism spectrum disorders, acquired neurological disabilities, developmental delay and other developmental disabilities. These children require numerous pieces of equipment, therapy and respite over the course of their life.
A volunteer run organisation, MAD leads by example and encourages other people and groups to make a difference in their community by coming together to help those less fortunate.
Over the years MAD has funded the purchase of wheelchairs, hoists and slings, therapeutic beds, bathroom modifications, car seats and home seating systems, walking frames, communication and voice output devices, second skin garments and rehabilitation sessions.
MAD has also funded iPads, gym memberships, theratogs, and paid for personal care attendants.
