To Our Valued Supporters and Community Members,
Subject: Urgent Appeal; Support Bereaved Fathers in Their Grief Journey
As the financial year draws to a close, we humbly reach out to the broader South Australian community to consider supporting an often-overlooked but deeply affected group—bereaved fathers who have lost a child. Grief knows no boundaries, but men’s grief is frequently silent, unseen, and misunderstood. At Red Tree Foundation, we recognise the unique struggles fathers face in coping with such an unimaginable loss, and
we are committed to providing the essential support they need.
The loss of a child is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can endure, yet societal expectations often pressure men to suppress their grief, remain strong, and continue without adequate emotional support. Without proper resources, many bereaved fathers suffer in isolation, leading to long-term emotional and mental health challenges, strained relationships, and difficulties in returning to work or daily life.
• In 13 Australian studies, male participants specifically discussed the need to be “strong”, and a perceived expectation to hide their grief.
• Men reported that these expectations had a direct negative impact on their grieving process, as they felt prevented from displaying their emotions in front of others, seeking support, and/or working through their grief.
At Red Tree Foundation, we provide tailored services that cater specifically to the needs of grieving fathers, including peer support groups, professional counselling, and community outreach initiatives. These services offer a lifeline—helping fathers navigate their loss in a way that acknowledges their pain and fosters healing. However, we cannot continue this vital work without the generosity of individuals and organisations in the South Australian community like yours. With the end of the financial year approaching, now is a crucial time to make a tax-deductible contribution to ensure that grieving fathers receive the support they need. Your donation will directly impact our ability to expand our services, train peer support facilitators, run more support groups targeting the specific needs of bereaved fathers and reach more men who are struggling in silence. | 
