Above, from left, The Infants’ Home CEO Elizabeth Robinson and Fundraising Manager Hannah Dence, with James N. Kirby Foundation Chairman Helen Kirby at our 150th Celebration Year launch event in 2024.
Supporter Spotlight: the James N Kirby Foundation
James N. Kirby (1899–1971) was an Australian industrialist, engineer, and philanthropist. He was well-known for his philanthropy, establishing the James N. Kirby Foundation in 1967.
The Infants’ Home has had a long association with the Foundation, being one of the first organisations it supported from its beginning almost 60 years ago.
Over the ensuing years we have received over $400,000 from the Foundation in support of many projects and activities, including our Postnatal Home visiting program, the building of Stage One of our Early Learning and Development Centre which was completed in 2013, and the delivery of various community programs for children and families, including parenting programs and community playgroups.
Since 2023 the James N. Kirby Foundation had kindly supported our free weekly Baby Time Playgroup through their annual small grants program. This important community program provides invaluable support for parents and carers navigating the first twelve months of parenthood and the challenges and isolation that this period can sometimes bring.
In May 2024 we were delighted to welcome James N. Kirby Foundation’s Chairman, Helen Kirby, to our 150th Celebration Year launch event.
Helen also shared a kind message for our ‘Celebrating 150 Years of The Infants’ Home’ commemorative book:
On behalf of the Kirby family and the Board of the James N Kirby Foundation, I would like to send my most heart-felt congratulations to the Ashfield Infants’ Home in achieving the milestone of 150 years. It has been such a privilege to not only personally watch the development and growth of the Infants’ Home for well over 40 years, but to also have had the opportunity to support so many of the incredible programs made available to the local infants and their families. I remember bringing my own children to visit the The Infants’ Home and gardens when they were very little, and we drove away wishing that there were more organisations with such extensive support services and facilities available to help many more families. The innovative design and expansion of the playgrounds since, as well as the additional classrooms and support services has ensured you remain at the top of the sector and continue to be truly inspiring. Well done!—Helen Kirby, Chairman, James N Kirby Foundation.
We thank the James N. Kirby Foundation for their generous support over the years and their commitment to helping us deliver vital and innovative projects to help children and families in our community.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at childrensservices@theinfantshome.org.au.
The Baby Time Playgroup has been supported by the James N. Kirby Foundation since 2023.