Peter's Story

Peter’s foster carer wrote to us about Peter and his Suitcase of Hope.

Week 1

Thank you to Anglicare for the monies that you made available (‘Suitcase of Hope’ funding).

Peter and I went to Perth on the train and spent some of it on good clothing. He could hardly believe it when I said that he must choose items without worrying about the price. Peter always seems to be worried about costs.

I want to see if I can get him to look beyond his paradigm of poverty that he has experienced. Sometimes it’s good to buy quality than just cheap things. The moment Peter got home he was in his new clothes and off to a friend’s house to brag.

I know it’s not the right way to think, but being “in” by having brand clothing does sometimes help with self esteem and confidence.

This definitely showed up.

Week 2

I took Peter shopping again with the ‘Suitcase of Hope’ funds and he had a ball. I think he enjoys choosing his own stuff.

I have to keep reminding him to not look at prices, but to look at what he likes. Peter now has a medium sized red suitcase (he chose the colour!) which isn’t too big because Peter is a small guy. His clothes used to be so small on him but now the new ones fit perfectly and he wears his new surf shirts with pride and confidence.

We also got him some good quality towels that are just for him and he chose the colours.