Responding to the challenge

We recently asked our friends at not-for-profit organisations around Adelaide to let us know how they are doing during COVID-19, and how we can help.

Not surprisingly, all of them are in critical need of funds to support vital programs to support their work. Many of them have lost volunteers and would be most grateful for your help.

Despite the crisis of funding shortfalls, it is inspiring to see how these communities are rising to the challenge and innovating through the COVID-19 period.

For example, Puddle Jumpers has experienced a surge in requests for food, and are responding by providing drive-by food collection centres at several locations around Adelaide, in place of their weekly food night at Glandore. They would be grateful for donations to support their work, or assistance to pack and hand out the food parcels. For details, contact Melanie via email

Backpacks 4 SA Kids is adapting by quarantining all donations for 24 hours before sorting. Rachel tells us she is desperate for donations of clothing and toys to fill more than 450 backpacks that are waiting to be filled and distributed to children who have been displaced from their home. Some items that are needed are underwear, face washers, hair brushes, roll on deodorant (no aerosols please) and winter clothing. For an up-to-date list, please visit their Facebook page or contact Rachel via email

United Way South Australia has been forced to close Possum Playhouse, but is still committed to providing opportunities for children to read and has adapted by posting a video of a story book being read, on Facebook each night. They are also continuing to distribute their book packs to eligible children. 

Catherine House Inc has been forced to cut many programs, but is innovating by connecting with clients via Zoom to ensure they remain connected to their support networks. Nonetheless, funds are desperately required to support women experiencing homelessness, especially following the cancellation of all major fundraisers for the year. If you can help, please contact fundraising manager Jaylee Cooper, who is hoping people might contribute by donating the cost of their lunch or carpark, while you are working from home. For more details, see the #donatefromhome  fundraising appeal or contact Jaylee via email.

COVID-19 restrictions and school closures have meant that Kickstart for Kids has not been able to operate its award-winning breakfast and school holiday programs. In place, staff and volunteers have adapted by packing and delivering food care packages to children in need. For more details or to help, please visit their website

Lion Hearts Learning have responded to COVID-19 challenges by offering its “On-Lion” (online) learning sessions via Zoom. This service started a month ago, and is available for all oncology children and children of families affected by cancer.  It has been greatly embraced through the hard times of isolation and non-socialisation with others and is keeping the team very busy.

Lion Hearts Learning is an invaluable social and educational learning source for families affected by cancer however the organisation has also been hit hard financially with all fundraising events cancelled for this year. In response to this issue, Lion Hearts Learning has launched their $10 for 10 days campaign and is hoping people might spare $10 for children affected by cancer.  Please visit their website to donate or email to ask for bank details and transfer the funds direct.

Paul Madden, CEO of Bright Futures has told us that in the communities which Bright Futures supports in India, Kenya, Uganda and Pakistan, it is estimated that COVID-19 could push 130 million into starvation. Strict lockdowns in these places to quell the spread of the virus, are creating huge challenges for the vulnerable and disadvantaged people, in societies where health systems are fragile and resources are limited. Bright Futures is appealing for support for vital funds to provide urgently needed food supplies, medicines and medical equipment in the short-term and later to assist recovery by supporting food production and economic activity.