‘I didn’t know grief was a feeling’: How one magic organisation is helping kids heal after loss

One in 20 children in Australia will lose a parent or sibling before they turn 18 and for many, finding a place to heal can feel impossible. Feel the Magic is a special organisation helping them through it, by creating a safe space to connect with others who understand.

Feel the Magic thought it was receiving $20,000 in funding from the CommBank Community Grants program, but was instead surprised with a $120,000 grant giving them the chance to help more children and families.

For children like Tommy and Eden, who attend Feel the Magic camps, the difference is life-changing. As Tommy explains: “It made me feel better and not stress as much as I used to.” Eden shares: “Before I went to camp, I didn’t know grief was a feeling. After camp, I learned that grief was a feeling.”

Watch the video to hear from the kids, mentors and volunteers behind Feel the Magic – and see their emotional reaction to the $120,000 surprise grant.

Feel the Magic Co-Founder and COO Kristy Thomas shares: “Feel the Magic is a place for grieving kids to come and learn healthy grieving strategies. We were so incredible grateful for $20,000 and $120,000 is just next level. We’re going to touch so many more lives across Australia.”

Lisa Cartwright, a CommBank employee and volunteer Camp Magic mentor for the past seven years, reflects on the personal impact of being part of the program: “The Community Grant Program makes me feel really proud to work at CommBank. The fact that the staff donate their money from their salary fortnightly and then the bank matches it just makes you feel really proud and empowered.”

Feel the Magic is one of 175 community organisations to receive part of the $4 million in grants being distributed across Australia. For more than 17 years, the CommBank Staff Foundation’s Community Grants program has supported thousands of organisations with over $30 million, helping communities just like this one. The program is funded by CommBank employees who regularly donate part of their salaries each fortnight, which are then matched by the Bank.

To learn more, visit: commbank.com.au/communitygrants