More than 9,000 children are currently in out-of-home care* across Victoria.
These children are provided with a safe and nurturing home to grow and thrive.
At Meli, we receive an average of five new referrals each week to place a child or young person with a Foster Carer. Unfortunately, we cannot always meet this need due to carer shortages which means there are children in our community who do not have a place to call home.
During September, we run our annual Foster a Future Appeal to raise vital funds for foster care families and to recruit new foster carers.
Over the last two years, this Appeal has raised $120,000 to support Meli’s foster care families. The funds have been utilised for a range of essential services and items – from therapeutic support and tutoring to car seats, cots, driving lessons, meals and activities. These are the little things that make a big difference in the lives of foster care families.
If you’re able to, please consider donating to the Appeal below. Your contribution will make a huge impact on the many children in care across our region.
It takes a village to raise a child and at Meli, we believe we can all play a role in strengthening our community.
If you’re interested in becoming a Foster Carer, please visit How can I become a Foster Carer? or call us on 03 5226 8900.
* Source: AIHW Child Protection Australia Report 2022-2023.
How will my donation help Foster Carers and children in care?
By donating to the Foster a Future Appeal, you will be supporting Meli’s Foster Carers and brightening the lives of children living in out of home care. Below is a list of how funds will be utilised to make a tangible difference:
$50
would buy two fire blankets for new foster care households
$100
would provide food vouchers for children who are going into emergency care
$300
would allow us to host an outing/experience for children and teens in care
$500
would help provide some respite for our kind and selfless carers
Thank you to our generous and kind-hearted Foster a Future Appeal Partners and Donors:
Platinum Partner
Anthony Costa Foundation
The Anthony Costa Foundation is proud to be a Platinum Partner of the Foster a Future Appeal for the third consecutive year. The Foundation seeks to make a positive impact in the communities where our families live and work – making Meli a perfect partner.
Beyond the Foster a Future Appeal, the Foundation has made significant contributions to Meli to enhance foster care services across the Barwon region:
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2025
Committed $490,000 over three years to ensure children with disabilities in out-of-home care receive the tailored support and services they need to flourish
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2022
Provided $251,000 to launch the Children’s Village Project, a pioneering initiative that builds a connected community for vulnerable children. The project offers integrated support for foster families, including volunteer-led respite care, transport assistance, tutoring, and mentoring
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2020
Donated $200,000 to increase both the number and quality of foster care placements in the Geelong area
Platinum Partner
Aviso Integral Insurance Services
For more than a decade, Aviso Integral Insurance Services has been a generous supporter of Meli’s Foster Care Program. Led by Sandra O’Loughlin and Darren Halley, their commitment is inspired by Sandra’s sister, Cheryl Flanagan – a passionate member of the Foster Carer Recruitment team at Glastonbury Community Services (now Meli).
Cheryl believed in finding carers who could offer safe, nurturing homes. Even while privately facing illness, she worked with warmth and integrity. After her passing in 2013, her family created the Cheryl Flanagan Award to honour her legacy.
This award allows carers to nominate children for items that support their development – such as laptops, gardening kits, tutoring, or a custom tricycle for a child with a disability. These gifts help children build confidence and explore their interests.
Aviso Integral has also supported the Foster a Future Appeal for the past three years and is proudly recognised as a Platinum Partner in 2025. Their contributions continue to uplift children and young people in care, while Cheryl’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the community her family continues to support.
Gold Partners
Estate of Late Harold E Hurst
Major Donors
Generous Supporters
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