Our Story
Raising funds for people affected by illness or adversity
Sleapy's Foundation, your local charity
Sleapy’s Foundation is all about heart, local spirit, and being there when it matters most. Founded in Newcastle, we are there to support individuals and families facing the overwhelming challenges of life-altering illnesses & adversity to those in the Hunter New England area.
What sets us apart?
The Foundation is unique and can step in and provide support where others cannot. We truly support individuals and families regardless of their illness or adversity with very few barriers to accessing assistance.
In 2025, we were proud to accept and fund 98% of all applications for assistance.
There to care! care! care!
A word from Peter Sleap
Born out of lived experience and genuine gratitude.
My wife Robynn and I created Sleapy’s Day in 2010, a year after my own diagnosis with throat cancer. At the time, I was undergoing gruelling radiation and chemotherapy. In an act of incredible kindness, my footy mates and the Souths Rugby League community rallied together. Through a sports luncheon featuring Peter Parr and Jonathan Thurston, they raised the funds I needed to finish a kitchen renovation I was mid-way through and cover my mounting medical bills.
That generosity was completely unexpected, and it meant the world to us. Once I recovered, I felt a deep responsibility to “pay it forward”, to take that single act of kindness and transform it into something bigger for our community.
As Sleapy’s Day grew, so did our impact. In 2019, thanks to that ongoing success, we officially became Sleapy’s Foundation.
While I am grateful to be in remission, I know that not everyone’s journey has the same ending. Through this foundation, we’ve had the privilege of supporting extraordinary individuals and families who have become lifelong friends. Those we have lost have left an indelible mark on my life; it has been a true honour to walk beside them.
In memory of those we have lost, and in response to the growing needs of the Hunter New England area, we vow to continue our mission. We invite you to join us. Let’s come together as a community to ensure no one in our region has to face their darkest days alone.
Tailored support for unique journeys
No circumstances are the same, so no support plans should be either. We meet our beneficiaries exactly where they are, openly discussing their needs and providing the most impactful assistance possible. From essential bills to home comforts, we aren’t restricted by “standard” lists. We are always guided by what will help them most.
Here are a few examples of requests that we receive and fund:
- Medical tests
- Essential home improvements
- Pharmacy costs
- Lawns and gardens maintenance
- Medical equipment
- Food and fuel vouchers
- Transport to essential appointments
- Essential home asset replacements
- Rehabilitation
- Nutritional medical feeds
- Utility bills
- Car Registration & greenslips
Note that this is not an exhaustive list and the Foundation has provided and will provide many services outside of this.
Sleapy's Foundation Projects
The Foundation is proud to have established many long-term and enduring projects that will benefit the Hunter New England area for many years to come. The most significant project that the Foundation undertook, was the creation and funding of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Courtyard at the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, sanctuary for families during their most difficult moments.
Request Support
All beneficiaries’ requests must be submitted on the “Request for Assistance Form”. The form can be filled out either by recipient, family or friends, social worker, or health practitioner.
Applications must be submitted even if the beneficiary is known to the Foundation.