Backpacks 4 SA Kids, winner of our $100,000 grant in 2017, has helped more than 40,000 disadvantaged children since it started in 2013, and the numbers keep growing
Founder, Rachel Zaltron OAM, says that demand for the backpacks, which are provided to children place in emergency foster care and domestic violence shelters, has skyrocketed this year across South Australia.
The backpacks include clothing, personal supplies and toys and help to relieve some of the stress and anxiety children face when they are removed from their family or homes, often without the opportunity to take any of their belongings with them.
Backpacks 4 SA Kids is calling for donations of pyjamas and other essential items after seeing a recent spike in children going into emergency foster care in regional South Australia. It is heartbreaking to know some children are going without simple comforts like pyjamas, after reading the following letter from a child who had received a backpack.
“I didn’t know pyjamas were so comfy! I always just wore my clothes I was wearing that day, but pyjamas really help you fall asleep. I love them. Thank You.”