90 Years of The Cram Foundation
The Cram Foundation was joined by our local community as we celebrated our momentous 90 Year Anniversary Gala Dinner on 25th November 2022. As one of the Illawarra’s longest standing disability support providers, Cram’s community involvement is as strong now as it was at our inception 90 years ago. The Cram Foundation was first established 1932 as the Wollongong and District Society for Crippled Children, formed by a group of passionate local volunteers who gave their time and resources to care for others with disability. After a house was bequeathed to the Society by Miss Martha Cram in 1965, it was modified to a Children’s Hospital. In 1999 the organisation changed its name to The Cram Foundation, now synonymous with the care, support, and connection we provide.
Cram has a fascinating history that has seen many changes in both the sector and within our organisation itself. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to making a positive difference. That same community focus that was shown in 1932 has continued throughout history as we have grown to support a number of participants across 15 homes and employ over 230 people locally.
This is a momentous occasion for the organisation and the local disability industry. This year is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, and the significant impact that we have made to our local region and to the lives of people with a disability for over 90 years. 90 years is a huge accomplishment and is a testament to our dedication to our participants and our resilience. The collective impact Cram and all who have been involved in its history has had on the lives of people with disability cannot be understated.
At the 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner, Cram welcomed many local businesses, community members, supporters, friends and family to commemorate the occasion. We were joined onstage by special guest speakers Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones MP, Love on the Spectrum show fan-favourite Michael Theo, Cram parent Pam Milone, Chair of the Board Linda Wright, and CEO Karen Burdett.
Thank you to everyone who has worked alongside Cram in supporting people with disability in our 90 years, and for your support of Cram’s 90th Anniversary.