About Us
Founder and Patron, Ros Worthington OAM
Ros Worthington OAM is a unique social philanthropist who is inspirational in her drive, commitment, compassion and empathy.
Her journey is extraordinary. Ros was taken from her mother at the age of three and sexually abused as a child, before being labelled as a high school drop out. Her struggles continued when she suffered chronic breast disease, undergoing 12 lumpectomies followed by a mastectomy, reconstruction and hysterectomy at the age of 35. She then endured the pain of her soul mate committing suicide, and the pressure of being on the brink of bankruptcy.
For most, just one of these traumas would be crippling, but these sufferings succeeded in pushing Ros in completely the opposite direction - on a mission to serve others.
In 1986 she became the first volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in WA. Single-handedly she roped in family and friends, set about fundraising and granted the first wish to a terminally ill child in Western Australia. During the next decade, she set up seven other state branches, trained hundreds of other volunteers and helped make hundreds of dreams come true for children with life threatening illnesses. She was made a Director on the National Board and member of the International Board, setting up the Foundation in India and helping to develop Make-A Wish in Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, Belgium and Holland.
But Ros had more to give. After suffering from breast disease, her determination and strength led her to start up a specialised mastectomy boutique to support other newly-diagnosed women. However, she soon realised that there was a far greater need for services. Consequently, in 2000, she founded the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA to raise awareness of detection and prevention, and provide grassroots financial, practical and emotional support to women.
What started in the back room of her mastectomy boutique has become one of the highest profile and fastest growing charities in Western Australia, and today Ros spends time travelling WA to promote the work of the Foundation and to raise funds.
Incredibly, Ros’ story continues on, as her drive and compassion spurs her to persistently make a difference to the lives of others. It is this mindset that has led her to create the Love Angels Foundation, her new charity that will help feed and educate underprivileged children.
Essentially, the Love Angels Foundation is all about kids helping kids. It aims to get Australian children to reach out and help others in third world countries, teaching them the essential core values of humanity, compassion and kindness. For every $1 raised through the sale of a Love Angel - a paper angel that students colour in and sell for $1 - a homeless baby can be fed and nursed for a day. It's about providing food, shelter, education and the basics of life for orphans who struggle to live. More importantly, it's about giving the most powerful gift of all - the gift of love.
Unsurprisingly, Ros’ dedication to others, especially children, has earned her the reputation of one of Western Australia’s highest-profile philanthropists. She has become a highly sought after speaker, and is frequently asked to address school, corporate and other charitable organisations. She is a passionate, visionary and motivational presenter and her personal and professional achievements are inspirational. Her story is proof that it is possible to turn pain into power, and illustrates just how much can be achieved through hard work, courage, immeasurable compassion and an irrepressible desire to make a difference to the lives of others.
Her pioneering and inspirational work has been recognized through her becoming a recipient of the prized Medal of the Order of Australia, a finalist in the prestigious Australian of the Year Awards and the winner of Ernst and Young’s coveted Social Entrepreneur of the Year.
Today Ros continues to work tirelessly to help and encourage others to overcome adversity and become more active in their community. The story of this unique, social philanthropist is one of passion and sacrifice, which has ultimately shaped her into one of the most respected female role models in Australia.
To learn more about Ros go to www.rosworthington.com.au