Karelina Coco Clarke Children’s Advocate
Karelina Coco Clarke Children’s Advocate
Karelina Coco Clarke, a rising star, is committed to helping children fleeing domestic violence through her work with Sanctuary Housing Women’s Shelters
I want the children in the shelters to feel accepted and safe, without any judgment, and to know that even in the hardest moments, there is still joy to be found and hope for the future.”
SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA, August 15, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Karelina Coco Clarke, a 12-year-old singer and actor known for her standout roles in both theatre and film, is not only making waves on stage and screen but is also making a meaningful impact off-stage through her dedicated volunteer work. Throughout the year, Clarke consistently commits her time and energy to helping those in need by volunteering with Sanctuary Housing women’s shelters. These shelters provide essential support to women and children escaping domestic violence, offering them a safe haven and a path to rebuilding their lives.— Karelina Coco Clarke
The issue of domestic violence is gaining more mainstream movie attention, as seen in Blake Lively’s recent film, It Ends With Us, based on the bestselling book by Colleen Hoover, which tackles this serious subject matter. While Karelina is too young to have read the book, she greatly respects how Blake Lively, a well-established actor, is using the arts to address such a critical and challenging topic. This further resonated with Karelina, who portrayed a daughter whose mother suffered domestic violence in the TV series The Messenger. Her experience working with children in shelters who have lived through domestic violence allowed her to connect more deeply with her role in the series, drawing on her real-life interactions to bring authenticity to her portrayal.
According to recent statistics, one in six women in Australia has experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner since the age of 15. The impact of domestic violence on children can be profound, leading to long-term emotional and psychological challenges. Understanding the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment, Karelina’s involvement with Sanctuary Housing is deeply personal. Her regular visits to the shelters are a way for her to continue her family’s legacy, offering joy, comfort, and emotional support to the children who reside there.
One of Karelina’s significant contributions was her request to have a playground built at one of the larger shelters. She recognized the need for the children to have a space to play and be children, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. The playground has since become a vital part of the shelter, providing the children with a place where they can experience joy and normalcy.
Karelina also actively participates in efforts to ensure that these children experience the joy of receiving gifts during Christmas. By organizing and gathering presents, she helps to create a festive atmosphere, even in challenging circumstances. However, her commitment extends far beyond the holiday season; she spends time throughout the year engaging with the children, offering emotional, peer, and non-judgmental support. Through play and companionship, she helps to foster a positive environment where the children feel understood, supported, and valued.
On Christmas Day, Karelina takes her involvement a step further by spending her Christmas lunch with the children and women at the shelters. She personally hands out the presents she has helped collect, making sure each child feels special and cared for during what can otherwise be a difficult time of year.
Karelina’s philanthropic efforts are supported by her school community, which has joined her in making a difference by donating canned goods, fruits, and vegetables to the charity. These donations provide much-needed sustenance for the families residing in the shelters, helping to ease their burdens during challenging times.
“As a singer and actor, I’m incredibly fortunate to have the opportunities that I do,” says Karelina Coco Clarke. “But I believe it’s crucial to focus on being a good person and reaching out to others, especially the children in shelters who are facing difficult times. I want them to feel accepted and safe, without any judgment, and to know that even in the hardest moments, there is still joy to be found and hope for the future.”
Karelina’s commitment to her community is a reflection of her deep empathy and strong sense of responsibility, which is all the more remarkable given her young age. Her actions inspire others, showing that even amidst the typical challenges of growing up and being a kid, there’s always time to give back. She hopes that her work with Sanctuary Housing will raise awareness about the needs of women and children in shelters and encourage others to support similar causes.
As Karelina Coco Clarke’s future and opportunities continue to expand, she plans to broaden her efforts to help children globally by working with UNICEF. She is deeply committed to using her voice and influence to support vulnerable children, especially those in crisis situations who need the most protection and care. Karelina aims to collaborate with UNICEF to create safe spaces for these children, ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and emotional support. Her goal is to bring attention to the issues they face, advocate for their rights and well-being, and help build a world where every child can thrive, no matter their circumstances.
As Karelina continues to grow both as a performer and a compassionate individual, she remains steadfast in her dedication to using her influence for positive change. With her passion for singing, acting, and her unwavering commitment to helping others, Karelina Coco Clarke is truly a star to watch, both on and off the stage.
Sanctuary Housing Women’s Shelters
Sanctuary Housing Limited
admin@sanctuaryhousing.org.au
