I’ve never been someone who does things by halves. When I started GLASARI, I knew I wanted it to be more than just a bag brand. I wanted it to stand for something.
I’ve worked as a registered nurse for over 25 years. For a good part of that time, I’ve worked in the police cells. I’ve seen things that most people never will. Young kids, sometimes barely teenagers, coming in after making choices that will follow them for the rest of their lives. Stealing cars. Violence. Drugs. And underneath all of it, usually just a young person who needed someone to step in a little earlier.
That’s what led me to the Sammy D Foundation.
Who Was Sammy D?
Samuel John Davis was 17 years old when his life was taken from him in an unprovoked attack in Adelaide’s CBD in 2008. He was king hit by a stranger and died from his injuries the following day.
His family, instead of being consumed by grief, chose to do something extraordinary. They founded the Sammy D Foundation in his memory, with one clear goal: to make sure no other family had to go through what they went through.
What the Foundation Does
The Sammy D Foundation runs evidence-based education programs in schools and communities across South Australia. They work with young people on bullying, violence, alcohol and drug misuse, and the kinds of decisions that can change the course of a life in an instant.
To date they have reached over 300,000 young people. That’s 300,000 kids who have had someone sit down with them and say, you matter, your choices matter, and there is a better way.
Why GLASARI?
When I was thinking about what kind of business GLASARI would be, I knew I didn’t want to do big fake sales or gimmicks. I wanted to build something genuine, something that reflected my values.
So instead of discounts, GLASARI donates a percentage of every sale to the Sammy D Foundation. It’s not a massive amount right now, because we’re just getting started. But every sale counts, and as GLASARI grows, so does our contribution.
We’re also donating two GLASARI Retreat Duffles to the Sammy D Foundation’s Reach for the Stars fundraising bowl, because sometimes the best way to show you care is to actually show up.
What This Means for You
When you buy a GLASARI bag, you’re not just getting a beautifully organised travel essential. You’re part of something bigger. You’re helping a young person in South Australia get the support they need before it’s too late.
That means a lot to me. And I hope it means something to you too.
To find out more about the Sammy D Foundation, head to our Giving Back page or visit sammydfoundation.org.au directly.
With love,
Penny
Founder, GLASARI
