A generous donation from the Country Women’s Association will provide a much-needed boost to local children and young people in out-of-home care.
Members of the Barongarook CWA branch this week presented Meli’s Out of Home Care Program with 25 backpacks containing essential items specially chosen for young boys aged 10-16.
The back packs are worth $80 each and include a range of items to help children settle into their foster homes, including pyjamas, clothes, a torch, a book and games.
“We are very grateful for the Barongarook Country Women’s Association’s generous donation of backpacks. These bags will brighten the lives of many children and young people living in out-of-home care,” said Jo Dumesny, Manager of Care Services at Meli.
“Unfortunately, while essential items might seem like a given, for many of these children and young people, they come to us with limited belongings and these gestures make a real difference to their sense of belonging,” she said.
The donation comes during Meli’s annual Foster a Future Appeal, dedicated to raising vital funds for foster care families and raising awareness of the dire need for more carers in our region.
“Through Meli’s Foster a Future Appeal, we shine a light on the tireless commitment and dedication of our wonderful Foster Carers, while also highlighting the dire need for more carers in our community,” Jo said.
“Sadly, there are more children in need of care than carers available which means every night, there are children without a home in our local community.
“The fact that the Barongarook Country Women’s Association has chosen to support Meli demonstrates their genuine care for the community in which they operate.”
Barongarook is part of the Polwarth Group CWA, which has been a supporter of the backpacks for foster care program for many years. The branch co-ordinated the collection and distribution of the backpacks on behalf of five local branches, including Birregurra, Colac Night Owls, Irrewarra and Winchelsea
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