The Power of Generosity: 25 Years of Hope at Quest for Life

This Christmas, we invite you to join Quest for Life in celebrating an incredible milestone: 25 years of healing and transformation at our beloved Bundanoon sanctuary. It was here, at Killarney House, that a dream became reality - a dream of providing a safe haven for people facing life’s most profound challenges. 🎄

In this special 2-part blog, our Founder, Petrea King, reflects on Quest’s beginnings and the remarkable generosity that made it possible. As we honour this journey, we ask for your support to ensure that everyone in need of healing and resilience can access the life-changing programs we offer.

A dream of sanctuary

When I first heard that Killarney House in Bundanoon was for sale, I was overwhelmed with inspiration. Ever since my own experience of finding refuge at the Eremo delle Carceri outside of Assisi during a time of immense personal crisis, I had dreamed of creating a similar sanctuary for others - a place of peace and healing for those struggling with illness, grief, despair or trauma. 🌿

But as excited as I was, my partner Wendie, ever the realist, reminded me of the enormous challenge ahead. Quest for Life had just $15,000 in its account, while the property was listed for $1.5 million. The odds were against us, but the dream would not be deterred.

From vision to reality

Remarkably, it was the generosity of complete strangers that turned this dream into a reality. Benefactors, moved by the transformative impact Quest’s work had on their friends, stepped forward to help us purchase and renovate Killarney House. It was their belief in the power of compassion and healing that enabled us to create the sanctuary we envisioned.

Wendie brought a wealth of experience from her long and diverse career in education, which included curriculum development, establishing socio-cultural programs, and serving as a consultant, lecturer, and Principal of an inner-city school. With grace and dedication, she transitioned into new roles at Quest, first as the Project Manager overseeing the extensive renovations and later as its inaugural General Manager. 👏

A community effort

The energy during those months of transformation was incredible. Volunteers and community members worked tirelessly, from resurfacing the driveway to painting walls and scrubbing floors. Robyn, a former participant who later moved to Bundanoon to assist with the renovation, has continued to support Quest by arranging beautiful flowers for every program over the past 25 years. Her dedication, and that of so many others, has nurtured Quest into the safe and welcoming haven it is today.

Many of my clients living with cancer, AIDS, or other life-threatening illnesses, generously volunteered their time to help strip the buildings down to their bare bones. Out went the orange chenille bedspreads, bed bases, mattresses, carpets, and outdated furniture! The Rotary Club of Nowra stepped in with equipment and manpower to repair and resurface the driveway. The property buzzed with activity, as skips filled with debris were emptied and quickly refilled, reflecting the incredible community effort that brought new life to Killarney House. 🌟

We raised the dining room floor to be wheelchair accessible and replaced all the doors and ceilings so that they were fire-rated and safe. The before and after pictures of the dining and Blackmore rooms demonstrate a little of the transformation that Wendie oversaw.

When we first opened, we wore many hats - answering phones, developing policies and processes, making beds, scrubbing bathrooms, and running programs - all while managing the countless details of establishing a new enterprise. Now, 25 years later, we reflect with awe and gratitude on how far we’ve come. People from across Australia - and even beyond - have travelled to attend our programs and workshops. We remain profoundly thankful to the generous benefactors and tireless volunteers whose support made it possible for Quest to flourish and expand its life-changing services.

The power of your generosity

Today, we reflect with immense gratitude on how far we’ve come. Thousands of people have found healing and hope at Quest. But none of this would have been possible without the kindness and generosity of our supporters.

Today, many who seek our help face significant financial hardship. Whether it’s due to illness, trauma, or the pressures of recent years - floods, fires, a pandemic, and rising costs of living - so many are unable to afford the care they need.

"Your generosity this Christmas can make all the difference. It ensures that we can continue to provide life-changing programs to those who need them most. It’s through your support that we can help people embrace their challenges and rediscover their strength, even in life’s most difficult moments."

- Petrea King, Founder & CEO of the Quest for Life Foundation

Ways to donate

The Quest for Life Foundation is a registered charity with the ACNC. Donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Please join us in giving the gift of hope, strength, and healing this Christmas:

• 📞 Call us on 1300 941 488
• 💳 Direct Debit Remit to: National Australia Bank Ltd (NAB)
  BSB: 082476 Account: 573751856 Account name: Quest for Life Foundation
  * Please include your name as reference and contact us so we can issue a tax-deductible receipt
• 🌐 Online: Go to questforlife.org/bethemiracle_xmasappeal

Be part of the next 25 years

As we celebrate 25 years of healing, we ask for your help to continue this legacy of compassion. Your donation to Quest’s Christmas Appeal directly supports individuals and families who are seeking solace and resilience in the face of life’s major challenges. Together, we can ensure that Quest remains a beacon of hope for years to come.

Please donate today or give us a call on 1300 941 488.

This festive season, be the light that guides someone through their darkest moments. Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and for being part of Quest’s journey of healing. 🌈