About Us
We’re passionate about improving the lives of children through research.
About Us
We work for a tomorrow where little lights shine brighter.
Our Story
For 50 years the Firefly Children’s Foundation, previously known as the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, has been a vital force for innovation, funding pioneering research to improve the lives of children.
The initial spark was ignited by South Australians gathered around their TVs, donating generously to the famous Christmas Appeal telethons in 1970s-90s. South Australians were united by the simple belief that kids deserve better.
That spark has enabled us to fund over 1,000 research projects, each turning curiosity into action across health and social issues that will positively impact children today and into the future – from preconception through to birth and beyond.
We empower the best and brightest in work that is rigorous, ethical and focused on real impact that will be felt in homes, hospitals and classrooms.
Every breakthrough or program we champion today lights the way for a better tomorrow – a tomorrow where every child is healthy, happy and supported.
We work for a tomorrow where little lights shine brighter.
Our Why
Every child has the right to a happy, healthy childhood, but in South Australia, too many face things that should not be part of a child’s life.
Welfare
50.3%
live in disadvantaged
socio-economic
circumstances1
1 in 3
children reported for
child abuse or neglect
by the age of 102
Health
1285
children died between
2011-20233
53.8%
of these children were
under the age of 14
71%
of these deaths were from
disease or morbid conditions5
Education
1 in 4
children start school
developmentally vulnerable
in one or more key areas6
up to 3 years
is the current learning gap
between advantaged and
disadvantaged students7
We’re lighting the way by funding pioneering
research that improves children’s lives through…
Annual Grants
Around $2 million invested annually to unearth new concepts, build knowledge and target breakthroughs in the areas of health, education, and welfare.
Acquittals which generate notable proof of concepts or advances towards improved outcomes.
Each acquittal is a step closer to an improved outcome for children’s health, education or welfare.
Fellowships
Our Fellows pursue groundbreaking advances in the prevention and management of childhood disability and disease.
Significant, in-depth advances in understanding for significant issues pertaining to the prevention and management of childhood disability and disease.
Fellowship programs will generate improved care and treatment.
Impact Grants
Impact projects create tangible improved outcomes from research informed projects, delivered by best-practice NFPs or service providers.
Evidence-based projects which illuminate best practice for future delivery.
Improved outcomes for pilot and later program participants.
Welfare Outcome
Improved welfare
outcomes for
disadvantaged
children, more
aligned with the
national average.
Health Outcome
Fewer child deaths
from disease and
morbid conditions.
Education Outcome
Fewer children
starting school
developmentally
vulnerable.
(SA state has a goal to reduce
from 25% to 15% by 2043.)
Happy, healthy children.
1. The Child Development Council, 2021. 2. Better Start, Adelaide University. 3.Child Death & Serious Injury Review Committee, 2023-4 Annual Report. 4. Ibid. 5. Ibid. 6. Commonwealth of Australia, 2022. Based on the 363,100 children in SA: (under 8s living in 2021.) 7. De Bortoli, L., Underwood, C., & Thomson, S., 2023. PISA in Brief 2022: Student performance and equity in education. Australian Council for Educational Research.
Our History
Explore our legacy ignited by South Australian generosity…
1973
First SAS Channel 10 Christmas appeal was a telethon style fundraiser, raising money to build the Regency Park Centre for Physically Handicapped Children for the Crippled Children’s Association (now known as Novita).
The first three appeals raised $450,000 for the children’s home, which was opened in 1976.
1976
SAS Channel 10 decided to direct subsequent Christmas appeals towards the establishment of a Children’s Medical Research Foundation “to promote medical research to encourage and advance investigations into the cause, diagnosis and treatment of all types of illness.”
The Foundation was ‘conceived’ by Sir Dennis Patterson, President of the Crippled Children’s Association of South Australia (Novita) and administered by board members representing The Adelaide Children’s Hospital, Flinders and Adelaide Universities, the Crippled Children’s Association and SAS Channel 10.
1978
The Foundation’s first grants were issued.
One million dollars raised.
A Christmas Variety Spectacular was held at Festival Theatre.
Young Talent Time at the Apollo Stadium raised $14,000.
80,000 lottery tickets were sold for $1 to win a $32,000 Home and Land Package.
Yogi bear calls the studio to support the Christmas Appeal.
22 stars including Jonny Farnham and Garry Meadows rode the Channel 10 Double Decker bus to Mosely Square, Glenelg for the Christmas Appeal.
The Birdman Rally started this year and ran until 1981.
1985
A new look for the Christmas Appeals saw them hosted between the studio and an event at the Hilton Hotel.
Special guests Olivia Newton John, Larry Hagman, Linda Grey from Dallas, and James Brolan called in with their support via a live cross from LA.
Mel Blanc’s voiceovers as Daffy Duck were used in advertisements for the appeals.
1987
SAS 10 became Channel 7 on December 27th.
The Foundation renames as Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation and the mission evolved to improve the lives of children in the areas of health, education and welfare.
The Royal Show included Sports Girl Quest and the cast of Neighbours.
1988-1990
Home and Land Lotteries were promoted at big street parties in Golden Grove.
1995
University of South Australia becomes a member.
2026
The Foundation is renamed the Firefly Children’s Foundation.
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson, Governor of South Australia – Patron.
