OUR STORY
Our Beautiful Sara
“There are so many wonderful things we could say about our daughter, Sara.
She is one in a million. Shy with strangers, though loud and hilariously funny with friends and family. She is honest, loyal like a lion, and kind; a genuine friend who you know will always have your back. So devoted to her family, loving her brothers with all her heart. She had our backs and we had hers.
She really was a sweeter, kinder, more beautiful version of myself. We both liked to be in charge and although as a teenager we would bump heads, we eventually became best friends.
I loved her common sense. I could always rely on Sarz to help me around the house, cooking, cleaning up and looking after the boys. I loved how excited Sarz would get about the little things in life; like having spaghetti bolognese on a Monday night, eating custard tarts or putting up the Christmas tree. I loved that she had the knack of putting Ikea furniture together in five minutes, without even looking at the instructions. I loved that she was a minimalist, selling things she didn’t wear online, keeping her room organised and clearing out my pantry for me. I loved that we had the same weight, height and foot size and that she would wear all of my clothes, despite not being allowed to wear hers.
I miss the 10.30pm knocks on my bedroom door on Sunday nights asking me to tint her eyelashes. I miss seeing her make her green tea oats and banana for breakfast each morning. I miss her going to ask dad when I say “no” to something. I miss her doing my eye makeup for me when I was going out. I miss the days shopping with her, where I would end up buying her all of the things she needed (plus lunch). I miss the tanning ring in the bathtub and the blonde hair on the floor.
Going to London was the trip of a lifetime for Sarz. It was amazing to see her become more confident and self-assured. Sarz was doing so well and I was so proud of her. We were excitedly counting down the days until we were supposed to meet her in Paris.
Sarz’ light radiates so brightly and I love that she has touched so many hearts. So many people have told me, time and time again, that they think of her and feel her presence. I feel her guiding me, helping me to make an impact – giving hope to help to heal broken hearts and normalise grief as a part of life.
I draw on her strength to get up each morning to fight another day. I just hope I can make her proud. This is my absolute purpose in life, to serve and honour my darling angel Sarz, until we meet again.”
Love & kindness, Julie Wallace, Sara’s mum.
Mission & Vision
Sarz Spirit Foundation works to balance the impact of grief in our society and create a more compassionate, empathetic and understanding community.
Sarz Spirit Foundation creates change through important conversation, the creation of educational resources and support across all elements of Mind-Body-Spirit-Soul.
Sarz Spirit Foundation & Sarz Sanctuary
Sarz Spirit Foundation Australia and Sarz Spirit Foundation United Kingdom are registered charities dedicated to assisting people suffering the effects of traumatic grief, loss, PTSD & secondary trauma.
Julie & Mark Wallace founded Sarz Spirit Foundation in honour of their 21-year-old daughter, Sara Zelenak, who was murdered in the London Bridge Borough Markets terror attack in 2017. They have brought together an experienced team of professionals who share their mission to help to heal those suffering the effects of traumatic grief, loss, PTSD & secondary trauma.
Mark and Julie found that no organisation could fully address their needs, or the needs of others suffering traumatic loss. Certainly, no organisation seemed to consider healing across all elements of Mind-Body-Spirit-Soul. They founded Sarz Spirit Foundation to create change through conversation, form an ever-growing collection of supportive educational resources and provide support and hope to others.
Sarz Sprit Foundation is a 100% volunteer-run charitable organisation with all donations used to support beneficiaries dealing with traumatic grief, loss, PTSD and secondary trauma.
“Led by the spirit of Sara. The insight, understanding, connection and unconditional love that Julie and Mark have with Sara is the foundation on which Sarz Spirit is built. Sarz Spirit Foundation is the embodiment of that unconditional love – unchanging, without barriers, forgiving, nurturing and supportive; love that can lift others from defeat.”
Sarz Spirit Foundation is supported by Sarz Sanctuary – a safe online community connecting like-experienced members to the support they need, anywhere at any time. Comprised of community forums, expert practitioners and resources across all elements of Mind-Body-Spirit-Soul, Sarz Sanctuary offers its members compassion, understanding and healing in a place where they can feel less isolated.
Sarz Spirit Foundation relies heavily on the financial support of individuals, corporate and government to create, build and deliver its projects.
Through its generous giving, Sarz Sanctuary helps support the management, administration and general out-of-pocket expenses of Sarz Spirit Foundation to ensure that 100% of donated funds received are used to directly support beneficiaries.
Sarz Spirit Foundation has ambitious plans to deliver future projects to benefit the community, including creating digital resources that will support, inspire and educate.
Learn more about how you can support us.
Thank you to our existing partners
At Sarz Spirit Foundation, we are truly grateful to our corporate partners who support our mission to help to heal those suffering from traumatic grief, loss, PTSD, and secondary trauma. The generosity and enthusiasm of our partners have been invaluable in helping us achieve our goals and make a real difference in the lives of those who are seeking help.
Aware
Moving Mindsets
Elegrow
Niche Studio
DAIS
Norton Rose Fulbright
KPMG
Become a
Corporate Partner
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to get involved in your local community, consider partnering with Sarz Spirit Foundation.
As a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing community support and guidance to those suffering from traumatic grief, loss, PTSD, and secondary trauma, we work to balance the impact of grief in our society and create a more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding community.
Sarz Spirit Foundation relies on the support of volunteers and corporate sponsors to help continue its important work; creating change through important conversation, the creation of educational resources and support across all elements of mind-body-spirit-soul.
Whether you are able to contribute financially or donate your time and energy, there are many ways in which you can make a difference and help foster the growth of a community that heals together.
If this resonates with you, and you are keen to truly make a positive impact in people’s lives, we’d love to chat with you.
Our People
Julie Wallace
Sarz Spirit Foundation & Sarz Sanctuary co-founder
Mark Wallace
Sarz Spirit Foundation & Sarz Sanctuary co-founder