Backpacks 4 SA Kids INC. in Para Hills West | Charitable organisation

Backpacks 4 SA Kids INC.

Locality: Para Hills West

Phone: +61 414 490 003

Address: 5/1421 Main North Road 5096 Para Hills West, SA, Australia

Website: http://www.backpacks4sakids.org/

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• Non-profit organisation
• Charitable organisation
• Social service

24.01.2022 Happy Birthday Matt!! This superstar is turning 44 today and to celebrate he is walking 440km by the 30th of September to raise funds for Backpacks 4 SA Kids!! Matt is passionate about making a real difference in our community and we are so thankful for his support. ... Please support Matt with a donation to the link below, wish him a Happy Birthday and help him raise awareness about what Backpacks 4 SA Kids does. #DoingItForTheKids #HappyBirthday

23.01.2022 Eeek Christmas is just a few weeks away and our Christmas sorting and wrapping must start next week to give us enough time to deliver the gifts to all SA regions in time for Christmas day. We sincerely thank our insanely incredible supporters who have arranged collections, donated gifts, funds and created awareness for what we’re trying to achieve. We are all doing what we can to get us to our goal of supplying 5500 kids (that's 11,000 presents) to children entering emergenc...y care this Christmas but sadly, we are not there yet. This year has been unlike no other and we know that there have been significant impacts on families and businesses and we too have noticed a definite decline in the amount of donations received both gifts and funding. We of course don’t want to add extra financial strain and pressure on what is already a really tough time but if you can help at all, we would be truly grateful. Here are some options for how you can help: CASH DONATION: Any funds raised will help us fund the purchase of gifts from our wholesale supplier to bridge the shortfall of gifts. https://bit.ly/373DRcN ONLINE PURCHASE: Purchase a gift online and have it delivered to our Admin address: Backpacks 4 SA Kids 8 Tareena Street Ridgehaven SA 5097 When shopping, keep in mind our gift guidelines: - $30 maximum per gift - Must be brand new - Our shortage of gifts is in the 10 - 18 age range particularly - No weapon or food orientated items - No books or clothing as the kids receive these items in their backpacks already - Unwrapped DELIVER A GIFT TO ONE OF OUR DROP OFF LOCATIONS Drop off locations are still accepting gifts but these must be received by the 4th of December. Locations are listed on our website. Some kids have never experienced the joy of receiving a present just for them and knowing that someone cares. Our program aims to bring a smile and laughter to a child. A simple present can bring so much hope and happiness but can also reduce the stress and anxiety for those supporting our kids and families who are displaced at Christmas time. Thank you so much for your support.

22.01.2022 FRIDAY FEEDBACK Recounted by a Foster Parent (FP) Mr 8: Why did these people give me a backpack... FP: Because they think you are worth it Mr 8: They don't even know me FP: Doesn't make any difference to them, they know you are an 8-year-old boy who needed some things because it hasn't been easy lately Mr 8: Do they know my parents can't look after me anymore FP: No Mr 8: Then I don't get it FP: Why not, you are pretty amazing why shouldn't you get something special just because you are you? Mr 8: Because I've never had this type of stuff before FP: Which is why you are the perfect boy to get a backpack Mr 8 thinks about it for a while and said in awe they just do this because they think I’m worth it? FP: ‘oh he broke my heart but had to share it, this is the first time I have had a child arrive with a backpack and it really did make him smile.’ #DoingItForTheKids #FridayFeedback

22.01.2022 STATE-WIDE CODE BLUE ACTIVATION TONIGHT Due to tonight's wild weather forecast, extra support and shelter for people sleeping rough is available state-wide. Anyone needing support can call the 24/7 Homelessness Gateway on 1800 003 308 and can also seek help from:... Hutt St Centre have extended opening hours until 5pm this evening. Westcare (Baptist Care SA) will be open for overnight accommodation from 3pm. Street to Home will be offering additional outreach services to people sleeping rough on Thursday. Trace-A-Place (SYC) will extend their operating hours till 7pm. Please take care during this extreme weather. *Shared from Hutt St Centre*

21.01.2022 FRIDAY FEEDBACK Home Starter Pack Parent: "I know people wonder what is wrong with me because I have left my ex 7 times before and each time I failed to secure good housing for my children or even achieve the basics and I believed all of the ugly words I had been told about being incompetent, stupid and not being good enough at anything. ... Hard to believe I am a person who held a significant position in a reasonably large company, and I wasn't strong enough to leave my abusive past for good. I believed I was alone and that was a direct result of my self-worth and my actions. Now I know better! I am stronger because your charity provided my children and I with the basics, helping me to see there are people who want to see us succeed. I didn't feel like I failed, and I felt supported so I continued on my path to becoming independent and more importantly for us to be safe again. Thank you for catching me at that first step and supporting us on our journey. I hope to be in a position soon where I can come and join your community and make a difference to others like you all have for me and my children. *Home Starter Packs are sponsored by BankSA Foundation* #FridayFeedback #DoingItForTheKids #BankSAFoundation #SACharity #Backpacks4SAKids #HomeStarter

21.01.2022 The gorgeous Leo and Ella saved up and spent their own money to make a difference to others. All delivered with the most beautiful note: Dear Backpacks 4 SA Kids, ... We think what you do is really cool, so we saved up our money to help out. We hope that the pyjamas, clothes and toys we bough can help make a child feel comforted in a difficult time. Thank you for everything you do. Thank YOU Leo and Ella #DoingItForTheKids #KidsHelpingKids

20.01.2022 This week is Foster and Kinship Care Week and a time for us to celebrate all foster and kinship carers and their families who open their hearts and their homes when it’s not safe for a child to remain with their parents. It cannot be understated how all foster and kinship carers contribute to our community providing care and support to our most vulnerable children and young people ensuring they are safe, secure, nurtured, and have the opportunity to thrive. To all foster care...rs and kinship carers thank you If you would like more information about becoming a foster carer, visit www.fostercare.sa.gov.au #DoingItForTheKids #FosterCare #Kinship

20.01.2022 HELP! WE NEED STOCK We have a number of items desperately low on supply If you can help in anyway, we would be extremely grateful.... Kids 2 in 1 shampoo Hairbrushes Face washers Large pencil cases USBs Power banks Baby bottles Sippy cups Girls size 16 summer shorts and t-shirts Boys and girls size 16 underwear Toddler socks to fit 2 year olds DVDs (rated PG or under) All of these items must be brand new please with the exception of DVDs which can be in 'like new' condition. Donations are welcome at any of our drop off points which can be found on our website http://backpacks4sakids.org/drop-off-locations If you are unable to drop off, but would like to send us the items in the post or order online for delivery, our delivery address is: Backpacks 4 SA Kids 8 Tareena Street Ridgehaven SA 5097 If you would rather donate funds for us to use for bulk orders, you can do so here https://backpacks-4-sa-kids-inc.giveeasy.org/general Thank you for helping us make a difference to kids who need us most. #Backpacks4SAKids #DoingItForTheKids #ThankYouForYourSupport #NeedItems #SACharity

19.01.2022 Our warehouse will be closed this Thursday and Friday. We'll be back on deck Monday

19.01.2022 HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all of the Dads out there. Whether you are Dad, Grand-dad, Foster-dad, Step-dad, Dad-to-be or playing the role of Dad, we see you, we thank you and we celebrate you. If you are missing your Dad or father figure today, we send you much love and strength. ... #FathersDay #DoingItForTheKids

19.01.2022 Immediate Action As per SA Health guidelines we will be cancelling all sessions until further notice. Backpacks 4 SA Kids work will continue under essential guidelines, but with staff only to minimise contact, during these challenging times.... Please stay safe and well #doingitforthekids #SAHealth

19.01.2022 FRIDAY FEEDBACK: A recount of an emergency backpack delivery today from Rach: Watching from a distance to provide a COVID safe delivery of a backpack and toy for a young girl called Jenny today who had recently entered into care. ... The little girl waved excitedly at me, speaking a million words per minute with her Grandma walking slowly behind. Imagine this lively 11-year-old girl who was full of energy but had no toys or belongings of her own seeing a backpack filled with items just for her. When Jenny saw the backpack, she grabbed it and ran inside to her home without a word. I could hear the squeals and giggles I was expecting, but just from inside the closed door instead. Her grandma was incredibly embarrassed and apologetic for her behaviour and with much reassurance from me entered back into the home with her Granddaughter. Half an hour later I received a call from Jenny and here is how it went: Jenny: Hi Rach, sorry I ran away earlier Me: No worries darlin', did you get everything you needed in the backpack Jenny: oh yes thank you Me: That's awesome, did you run inside because you were so excited and wanted to see what was in the backpack? Jenny: No, I was scared you would take the backpack away so I ran before you could because the last place I lived they would give me something special and then take it away because I was naughty. Me: (Big Breath) Oh Jenny no one will take that backpack, that is just for you Jenny: LOUD squeals and loud noises in the background Grandma: Rach, Jenny has dropped the phone to dance, but thank you for giving her the 'happies' as Jenny calls them again. Moments like these remind me how simply amazing our phenomenal team are. Thank you to all who donate time, goods and financially to help our SA kids find their 'happies' again #DoingItForTheKids #FridayFeedback

18.01.2022 Another awesome SA Life story about our drop off location The Olive Branch Balhannah and the owner Nicole Macintosh and her family. Even after losing her beautiful home, this cafe became a central hub to help as many others in her community as she could. Whilst the bushfires were over a year ago now so many are still battling to find housing and that place they can call home. If you get a chance to enjoy our beautiful Adelaide Hills make sure you pop in and see Nicole and the team at The Olive Branch enjoy their incredible meals, coffees and atmosphere. Thank you Nicole for continuing to make an impact with our community as an ongoing drop off point

18.01.2022 HAPPY NEW YEAR Wishing you all a 2021 full of love, laughter and happiness

18.01.2022 Following on from yesterday's call out for Santa sacks, we have found some bargain online purchase options for those whose names we wont mention (Rach ) that may not have the sewing skills needed to whip something up at home. If you would like to make a purchase to help us with this challenge, online deliveries can be sent to our admin address by the end of November: Backpacks 4 SA Kids... 8 Tareena Street Ridgehaven SA 5097 Just keep in mind that stock is limited for some of these options and we have no control over stock levels. Thank you so much for your support. SPOTLIGHT - $6: https://www.spotlightstores.com//jolly-joy-pill/BP80517961 KMART - $3: https://www.kmart.com.au/prod/santa-sack---assorted/3228846 BIG W - $8 https://www.bigw.com.au//christmas-print-santa-sa/p/96779/ WOOLWORTHS - $8 https://www.woolworths.com.au//christmas-santa-sack-assort CHRISTMAS WAREHOUSE - various https://www.christmaswarehouse.com.au/shopp/santa-sacks//1 If you spot some other bargains out there, we'd love you to share in the comments #SantaSacks

17.01.2022 Christmas gifts are starting to flow in but as you can see, we have some significant gaps in particular age groups. If you’re wanting to help with our specific shortfalls here are the age groups and some ideas of gifts that have been popular in the past. Each child receives 2 gifts - 1 higher value and 1 lower value so we’re needing all price points up to $30. ... BOYS & GIRLS Age Newborn - 1 Stackable toys, floor toys, play pits, ball pens, musical toys, pram toys, sensory toys BOYS & GIRLS Age 9-12 Lego, science fun, drone, board games, jewellery making sets, craft, virtual pets, music, sports equipment, remote control cars BOYS & GIRLS Age 13-18 Movie vouchers, clothing vouchers, teen vouchers, sports equipment, music, make up kids, bath/self-care packs, non-aerosol packs for boys, wallets, caps, sunglasses, board games, As always, our gifts must follow these guidelines: All gifts must be new Maximum value of $30.00 per toy No weapon or food orientated items No books or clothing (these items are included in the backpacks) Unwrapped * Final goods donation date December 4th* Drop off locations can be found via our website. Link will be in the comments. We know we have some more gifts coming but we always fall short in these tricky to buy for age brackets so want to be on the front foot to ensure we cover our gaps this year. To everyone who is helping us with this massive challenge, we can not thank you enough #DoingItForTheKids #ChristmasDeedForKidsInNeed

16.01.2022 You may recall our letterbox painting challenge from July where we put a call out to all of the budding artists among our community to create a design for our letter box donated by our incredible friends at Bunnings Warehouse Australia. You voted on your favourite design and here it is! Neal has done a fantastic job recreating his design on the letterbox and we couldn't be happier. ... This letter box will be used for fundraising and for collecting positive cards to share in our support packs. Thank you Neal. You gave us exactly what we wanted by incorporating our core values - Joy, Simplicity and Compassion and creating a design to bring a smile to kids faces #DoingItForTheKids #BackpacksPaintingChallenge

15.01.2022 What a collection from the team at HLB Mann Judd Adelaide! Instead of running their usual staff Kris Kringle exchange, they collected gifts for our Christmas program. We can't tell you how much we love this! ... Thank you. #ChristmasDeedForKidsInNeed #DoingItForTheKids

15.01.2022 FRIDAY FEEDBACK Feedback from a Foster Mum: Our little 5 year old girl had been with us for 3 days, but there was a change of staff and the delivery of the backpack was slightly delayed.... We had tried everything to make her comfortable and to engage with her, but she just wasn't ready for our style of comfort yet. Her caseworker arrived with the backpack and the little girl just watched the bag all the way into the lounge room, she paid no mind to the worker at all, it was all about the backpack. The bag was bright pink with a unicorn on it and if you rubbed the side it changed colours with sequins...little girl heaven. We went through all the items together and she went into her room and changed into fresh clothes and came back with her pencil case and a colouring book which just happened to be a My Little Pony colouring book. As she came back to me at the table, she climbed onto my lap and said so quietly 'can we colour?' I kept it calm and said absolutely my girl and we coloured, but inside I was going crazy with excitement that this little girl trusted me. Thank you for helping us carers break down the walls and spend some real time with these kids because they deserve it. #DoingItForTheKids #FridayFeedback #SACharity #Backpacks4SAKids

15.01.2022 We are totally blown away We put a call out when we were in desperate need and boy did you answer. Businesses, schools, community groups and families have been collecting gifts, some of you have been doing some serious online shopping and we have received over $20,000 in cash donations which allows us to bulk purchase gifts where we have shortfalls. ... We know that we are going to put smiles on so many faces this Christmas and to all of you who have rallied and got behind us in this difficult year, we can’t thank you enough. Sorting and wrapping gets underway today and we can’t wait to get the tinsel out and carols cranking! If you are still thinking about donating, our drop off locations are accepting gift donations until the 4th of December only. Drop off locations can be found here http://backpacks4sakids.org/drop-off-locations #DoingItForTheKids #ChristmasDeedForKidsInNeed

14.01.2022 Rememberance Day Lest We Forget #LestWeForget #Thankful

14.01.2022 CALLING ALL SEWERS We are desperately short on our toiletry bags especially for older boys from ages 10 to 16. If you have a sewing group looking for a new project or are super crafty yourself with some spare material at home, we would love your help to make some brightly coloured toiletry bags for the kids receiving our backpacks.... The measurements needed are 30cm x 30cm sewn on 3 sides with a hem at the top with some form of string, ribbon or tie to be able to pull the toiletry bag shut. Our aim is to ensure that every child receiving a backpack can also receive a special handmade toiletry bag which turns into their keepsake bag Our drop off locations can be found here http://backpacks4sakids.org/drop-off-locations #SewersNeeded #DoingItForTheKids #Backpacks4SAKids #CraftProject

13.01.2022 FRIDAY FEEDBACK From an Anchor Pack recipient I have battled for months to keep going on my own, but I just wasn't sure if it was worth me fighting for life and not just giving up on everything. My parents don't want me. I know that because I came home from school one day and the locks were changed, and a note was on the door telling me never to bother them again. ... I've known for a while they didn't want me, but I didn't have any other option. They rarely gave me food and I would often head back to the school after hours and grab some of the food that had been thrown out from the canteen that day. It wasn't that bad, but I don't understand what I ever did wrong for them to hate me so much. I lived on the streets for a month before I found my mate Dan. He is the one friend I trust on the street and we do everything together to make sure we are both safe. We take turns to sleep, call our mates to see if we can stay there for a night and just look out for each other and for the first time I feel like I have a real brother. It was freezing and we were really struggling so we went to a youth service to get some help. They gave us these brilliant Anchor Packs filled with all things to help us survive while we lived on the streets or couch surfed when we could. My absolute favourite part of that pack is the sleeping bag. We can sleep anywhere. We are finally warm and it has been months since we have had a decent sleep. Things are so much better now. We are still on the streets but are working hard with the youth service to get accommodation and doing anything possible to get us jobs so we can get somewhere of our own. There is no way we would have gone back to the youth service or even really seeking them out if we didn't know about the Anchor Pack and the help we could receive. Even if we get somewhere to stay, both Dan and I said we would keep the Anchor Pack with the sleeping bag ready in case we ever end up on the street again because they have really helped us survive. Thanks heaps. It is so good to know someone cares enough to help even though we didn't feel worth it Sleeping bags for our Anchor Packs have kindly been supplied though Good360 Australia #FridayFeedback #AnchorPacks

13.01.2022 Our ambassador David Campbell has provided this video showing you an insight into the challenges and amazing achievements our team at Backpacks 4 SA Kids have faced in 2020 Challenges faced: Bushfires, Donor exhaustion, Covid 19, depleted stock, limited volunteer numbers due to Covid safety, lockdowns and limited and delayed stock due to quarantine restrictions... Achievements: Phenomenal support from our Board who ensured we remain sustainable and strong knowing we were going to face extreme challenges and our support is essential to the South Australian community in moments of crisis Despite some crazy challenges we had phenomenal organisations make significant donations knowing we would make a real impact with their support. Organisations such as Officeworks, Bunnings Warehouse Australia, BankSA, SA Power Networks Employee Foundation, Myer Tea Tree Plaza and a myriad of other people and organisations who supported in big and small ways. Supports supplied to children who are displaced from home 5718 backpacks for displaced kids ie kids in foster care, domestic violence service or facing youth homelessness 158 Anchor Packs supporting teen homelessness including rough sleepers and couch surfers 155 Home Starter Packs supporting domestic violence survivors starting again 3188 Toys providing distractions for kids facing extreme challenges and 5594 Christmas presents!! <3 At the completion of 2020 Backpacks 4 SA Kids has supported 52,812 since our team started and this is a phenomenal achievement <3 #DoingItForTheKids #ThankYouWeek

12.01.2022 Warehouse closed for today. The team have started Christmas wrapping at 1 Main North Road, Medindie. Thank you for your understanding.

12.01.2022 FRIDAY FEEDBACK From an ex-Foster Child via email: Hi there... I just wanted to let you know my story and the role you played in my life. I was 14 when I got my backpack, it wasn't the first time I had entered into care, but it was the first time I had something that was mine and I'm thinking this was when you started. I was so lost, I hated care, I hated home, I hated that I wasn't wanted like my friends were. I had trouble making friends because I moved so often and after lots of counselling I know now it wasn't because I wasn't worth it, its because I felt like I wasn't worth it. The backpack was so good, I had clothes that were just like the kids in my class. I had socks and jocks that were brand new and a pencil case I could use instead of asking everyone else if I could borrow something. Those small things were huge to me. Thank You #DoingItForTheKids #FridayFeedback

12.01.2022 ANZ Gala Ball We are very excited to be celebrating the ANZ Gala Ball tomorrow night, fundraising for some amazing charities including OURS with our brilliant ambassador David Campbell! The goal of the gala is to raise around $40,000 per major charity, the money raised for us will be used to purchase the next batch of desperately needed backpacks. If you would like to get involved and find some amazing bargains, but great experiences check out the silent auction via the li...nk provided https://app.galabid.com/anz/items. Anybody can bid and get involved to make a difference. Good Luck to all and Happy Bidding! #doingitforthekids #ANZGalaBall #SilentAuction #Fundraising

12.01.2022 It's so heart warming when we receive amazing bundles of goodies generously donated by our community. We really can't do what we do without this support so we are truly grateful. Thank you to the champs at Willunga LPO, Wild Yakka / Yank LPO and Davoren Park South LPO for this incredible donation. You are helping us to bring a smile to kids faces. ... #DoingItForTheKids #ThankYou

12.01.2022 FRIDAY FEEDBACK From a Foster Mum: Thank you so much for the amazing Christmas presents received for the children in our care at Christmas time. Christmas didn't have good memories for either of these kids and neither were looking forward to this special day. ... Our Christmas always involves special moments with family games, Christmas tree, happy families and Christmas music. This is something that we do every year at our house so we welcome anyone through our doors even for a day they become family. Receiving a phone call after 5pm on Christmas Eve brings dread to my heart. Not because we don't want children in our homes on this special day, but because even with the 'just in case' gifts we purchase, they may not be age or gender appropriate and I always want to create a 'Christmas Dream' for them. This year along with 2 beautiful children with sad eyes and no expectations came backpacks especially for their age groups and beautifully brightly wrapped presents!!! I nearly screamed when the Case Worker snuck the presents through the door once the kids were in so we could surprise our beautiful visitors on Christmas morning. The relief I felt is indescribable, but more importantly the smiles, tears of happiness and full belly chuckles from these 2 gorgeous kids showed me exactly why you all do what you do by going the extra mile. The special hand crafted card, the ribbon surrounding the presents and the beautiful paper may seem like nothing, but these kids kept their paper, ribbon and card obviously made by another child to make their Christmas special to remind them of the Christmas they received a present from Father Christmas. Thank you will never seem like enough and I wish I could share a photo of their faces and tapes of their laughter to know how much of a difference to you made to these beautiful children. This is why we do what we do to bring special smiles and giggles to kids who deserve it always but especially at Christmas time. #FridayFeedback #Christmas #DoingItForTheKids

11.01.2022 His and Her Time This amazing team have run the 'City to Bay - Your Way' challenge yesterday and raised over $3000 for Backpacks 4 sa Kids Inc.!! The inspirational Anna Liptak challenged her His and Her Time family to run the usual distance of the City to Bay and to receive a gorgeous medallion created by Paul Rees Trophies. Brilliant achievement and thank you to all involved.... #DoingitForTheKids #hisandhertime

11.01.2022 IT’S BACK! We are so grateful to be chosen again by Westfield Tea Tree Plaza as their charity partner for the 2020 Christmas gift wrapping. We are now calling on all our volunteer elves to help us to fill the shifts between Thursday the 10th and Thursday the 24th of December. As usual, shifts will be 2 hours duration and all wrap, ribbon and accessories will be provided. Just bring your wrapping skills and Christmas spirit! ... If you are interested, we require all of our volunteer to be registered with Volaby via this link https://backpacks4sakids.volaby.org/ Once you’ve registered Go to Activities and select "Christmas Wrapping at Westfield Tea Tree Plaza" Join the dates and times you are interested in volunteering You will then receive a notification confirming once you’ve been rostered on to those times To meet SA Health and TTP COVID guidelines, all volunteer wrappers are required to wear face masks while at the gift wrapping station. Disposable masks will be provided. #ChristmasWrapping #DoingItForTheKids #WestfieldTTP

11.01.2022 We are extremely proud and thankful for our ongoing relationship with the SA Power Networks Employee Foundation. Their team are a constant source of support, volunteer effort, knowledge, resources and a lot of fun they’re driven by passion and a strong commitment to make a positive contribution to the community which we love. Tune in to Outdoors Indoors at 4:30pm this Sunday to hear more about what this wonderful group do to support us. We couldn’t be more grateful.... #DoingItForTheKids #TeamWork

10.01.2022 Talk about racking up some fair kilometres in the trusty delivery van.....Alec and his wife Helen (not pictured) have been doing the rounds lately. Just last week alone, they were seen in the Riverland with a delivery to the Waikerie Hub, Renmark for a pick up from Big W organised by Good360 Australia and after a quick wash and polish of the van, headed back out to Claire for another delivery. Love your work Alec & Helen ... #DoingItForTheKids #inthistogether See more

10.01.2022 FRIDAY FEEDBACK From a Mum and DV survivor: "I left our home as a result of domestic violence and we were living in a hotel with 3 young children. ... After having a long day with the kids and worrying about how I was going to provide Christmas this year, I was ready to return to the person who put their hands on me time and time again. My case worker snuck into the door with a bag full of items and asked to see me in the 'other room' so the kids couldn't see. As I snuck a peak in the bag all I could see were the most beautifully, brightly wrapped presents with little hand made cards with my kids names on them. I burst into tears and knew I could do this, I could stay strong and start again with my kids because I wasn't alone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do, I honestly think you may have saved our lives, but you definitely saved our Christmas. It has been way too long since I have heard my kids giggle and squeal and this Christmas, those giggles were in abundance." #DoingItForTheKids #FridayFeedback

09.01.2022 FRIDAY FEEDBACK What do you do when your home is burnt down, find out it was your ex and you and your babies are now homeless? We went to a hotel room with a support agency, 4 kids under the age of 7 and me once again alone, scared of my ex and what would happen to me and my babies now and having no idea what to do. End result was me in a bathroom and just crying once my babies were asleep. ... First the backpacks came and just gave the kids something to do, some comfy PJs and gorgeous cuddles with soft toys giving me breathing space to think. We finally moved into a housing option 4 months later we got a home to rent and once again had no idea how we would get even the basics to put in this house. A Home Starter Pack* was sent with a gorgeous note, quilts, quilt covers, towels, cleaning things but my favourite was the cooking items. To make dinner for my family and to be able to do all my family recipes and traditions - this is what really made it feel like a home. I saw the Home Starter Pack was supported by Bank SA so can you please send a huge thanks from my family, we definitely won't be going back and we are now ready to move forward. Thank you Angel *Home Starter Packs are supported/funded by Bank SA Foundation #DoingItForTheKids #FridayFeedback

09.01.2022 In its 30th year, ‘putting children first’ is the theme for National Child Protection Week and focuses on the importance of prioritising the safety and well-being of children in our lives and communities to ensure they grow up feeling safe and loved in a nurturing environment. This is at the forefront of all we do at Backpacks 4 SA Kids and we are so grateful that, with your help, we get the opportunity to play the role that we do in providing support to children and young pe...ople in SA and giving them the chance to thrive. We proudly support National Child Protection week and it’s a great opportunity to look at how we can all help to build a great future for our children. For more information, visit www.napcan.org.au #DoingItForTheKids #ncpw

08.01.2022 We are all in this together While we are facing challenging times there are options for help. Food Assistance:... Heart & Soul Group food delivery service and community food support. https://www.heartandsoulinc.com.au/ Domestic Violence & Homelessness: Women's Safety Service 1800 800 098 Homelessness Gateway 1800 003 308 Domestic Violence Support 1800 737 732 Mental Health Support: COVID Mental Health support line 1800 632 758 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 Lifeline 13 11 14 Our core staff will still be providing essential support to those who need us most. As a community let's just reach out via text, facetime, messenger or any other option to anyone we know living on their own. Let's smash this week together and control the spread the best way we can. Stay well and stay safe #doingitforthekids #StaySafe

08.01.2022 Sometimes donations come in all sorts of shapes and sizes....feast your eyes on this beauty The generous team at Toyota Material Handling Australia- Adelaide have donated a Pallet Jack to support our very special Christmas Wonderland. More exciting details will be announced on this soon but we know that this is going to get a serious workout! ... Thank you guys. #Donations #BackpacksChristmasWonderland

08.01.2022 Our Volunteers are amazing

08.01.2022 A few weeks back we put a call out to all young budding artists asking them to submit a piece showing what makes them feel happy, loved and safe. We had so many fabulous entries that we just had to share a bunch of them with you all. It brought a smile to our faces seeing what really is important to our precious kids. Hugs from Mum... Jumping in puddles Their loving pets Sport Being home with their family It was very very hard to pick a winning entry but we did have to choose the lucky recipient of the $20 gift voucher. We are very pleased to announce that Imogen (age 12) who painted the most stunning sunflower is the lucky winner. " Sunflowers are mine and Mums thing. You Are My Sunshine is our song." Congratulations Imogen, you are a very talented artist and your beautiful sunflower will have pride of place in the warehouse to brighten our days. Swipe across to see Imogen's artwork. #DoingItForTheKIds #ArtCompetition

07.01.2022 VOLUNTEERING WITH US We have a maximum capacity of 20 people per session so to be able to attend any session you must register via https://backpacks4sakids.volaby.org/ Once you have a profile within Volaby, you can see all of the available sessions on the activity page and mark yourself available on the session you wish to attend so we can place you on the roster.... Our Covid standard procedures will remain in place for all attending the warehouse as recommended by SA Health including: having your temperature checked on arrival and if the result is over 37.5 degrees you will need to leave the warehouse hands will need to sanitised masks will be optional as per SA Health guidelines and if desired, will need to be supplied by the individual all tables will be wiped over with hospital grade detergent Donations can still be made via our drop off points as per usual. We have some huge challenges in front of us and we are so thankful for your ongoing support #doingitforthekids #CovidSafe

07.01.2022 SANTA SACKS NEEDED Sadly, the current situation in SA has the potential to impact our ability to deliver beautifully wrapped gifts to our kids in need this Christmas. To eliminate the uncertainty and pressure, we are following the lead of our friends at Backpacks 4 VIC Kids and using Santa sacks as another option for our gift deliveries. We are calling all keen sewers to help to make this happen!... B4VK have kindly allowed us to borrow their pattern so if you have some fabric in stash at home or there may be some online purchase options, we’d love your help. Fabric doesn't need to be Christmas themed but maybe you could use your creativity to give is some Christmas flair. We'd love you to share your bargain material finds and your creations in the comments to help inspire others. Have fun and let your creative juices flow LINK TO THE PATTERN https://www.facebook.com/113588526852190/posts/227859742091734/ #SantaSacks #HelpNeeded

07.01.2022 To commemorate National Child Protection Week, we are running an artwork competition for kids up to the age of 18. Get the kids creative juices flowing and they could WIN a $20 gift voucher and have their artwork displayed in the warehouse to inspire the team! SO KIDS, WHAT DO WE WANT YOU TO CREATE? ... We’d love your artwork to show what makes you feel happy, loved and safe. Anything you like.so get creating! It can be drawing or painting. HOW DO I ENTER? Send us a photo of you work to [email protected] with the Subject title: ART COMP along with your NAME and AGE. Entries are open now and close on the 25th of September with the winner to be announced on the 30th of September. Happy creating and good luck!

06.01.2022 Well, isn't this just AMAZING! This was only made possible by our treasured volunteers donating a whopping 494 hours of their valuable time to wrap for us. We really do have an impressive team of volunteers! Thank you to Westfield Tea Tree Plaza and Myer Tea Tree Plaza for trusting us again with this opportunity. 100% of these funds go back to the kids who need us the most thanks to Myer TTP providing all of the wrap, ribbon and tags for the entirety of the program. ... This event was such an incredible fundraising event for our team and gives us a great kick start into 2021. A massive thank you to everyone who played a part. #DoingItForTheKids

06.01.2022 We have been so blessed to have Getaways SA as one of our trusted drop-off locations in the Barossa Valley region and we sincerely thank the team for their dedicated effort to support Backpacks 4 SA Kids. Whilst their Tanunda office has closed, Getaway SA is still available to help you to explore the best of South Australia and all of the amazing experiences, tours and accommodation can be booked from their website https://www.getawayssa.com/. Alternate drop-off locations can... be found on our website. Thank you Getaways SA #DropOffLocations #DoingItForTheKids

06.01.2022 Pinchapoo deliveries always get us doing a little happy dance. Our great friends at Pinchapoo provide us with girl & boy, age appropriate toiletry packs from newborn to 16 years. Providing toiletries in our bags is essential to allow the kids to confidently transition into new and unknown environments with items of their own. Not having to purchase these items ourselves, cuts huge costs from our budget and allows us to fund other purchases of needed stock. It's such a relie...f to have their ongoing support. Thank you also to Northline Freight who delivered this beauty to us at no cost. Charities partnering and working together strengthens the support our most vulnerable communities receive and deserve and we love this. #DoingItForTheKids #CharitiesWorkingTogether #Pinchapoo

06.01.2022 We have been lucky enough to be invited to spend the day at the Mix102.3's Holiday Fun Fair at Bonython Park tomorrow (Thursday) and we can not wait! If you haven’t got your tickets yet, get in quick and come and say "hi" to our fabulous volunteers who will be there during the 10am and 2:30pm sessions rattling their tins to collect donations to helps us to support kids in need in SA. We could also do with a couple of extra volunteers during the 10am-1pm session if you’re fre...e to help. Please PM the page and we’ll get in touch to make arrangements. #mix1023 #HolidayFunFair #DoingItForTheKids https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=655008&

05.01.2022 Stillwell Ford Unley They have found the car for the Restoration 4 Kids project raising funds for both Backpacks 4 SA Kids INC. and Kickstart For Kids!! Let us know what colour or colours you think this gorgeous classic car should be restored to? Keep in mind you could have a chance of being the owner once she is all fully restored by purchasing a raffle ticket from the Stillwell Ford Unley team!... Rach - Cherry Red Kelly - Red Lee - Matt Black with Cherry Red Trim :O #doingitforthekids #Restoration4Kids

05.01.2022 Our very clever volunteer Skye created the Backpacks 4 SA Kids rocks ready for the school holidays. Let us know if you find one on your travels and don't forget to re-hide to share the love. Check out SA ROCKS to learn more. ... Thank you Skye, what a great idea to keep us hunting these school holidays #DoingItForTheKIds #SArocks

05.01.2022 CHRISTMAS WRAPPING SESSIONS ARE LIVE ON VOLABY This year we are very lucky to have the opportunity to use the amazing showroom at 1 Main North Road, Medindie for our Christmas Wrapping sessions thanks to the incredible ADTRANS Group. Initial dates are now live on Volaby so if you’d like to participate you must be registered. Once registered, you can select the date you want to attend and mark yourself as available. We will then confirm once you’ve been roster on for this shif...t. https://backpacks4sakids.volaby.org/ Numbers are limited to 25 per session so get in quick as these sessions book out very quickly. Sessions are currently scheduled as follows all from 9:30am 12:30pm: Wednesday 2 December Monday 7 December Wednesday 9 December Friday 11 December More info to come so stay tuned for further updates.

05.01.2022 MORE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Struggling for ideas of what might be suitable for the 5-7 age groups? Here are just a few. If you have another idea that's not on this list, please feel free to share it here for those who are finding it a little harder to think of what to get to make Christmas extra special for a child this year.... When shopping, keep in mind our gift guidelines: - $30 maximum per gift - Must be brand new - Newborn to 18 year olds - No weapon or food orientated items - No books or clothing as the kids receive these items in their backpacks already - Unwrapped Gifts can be delivered to any of our drop off points on the website or any Hyundai dealership. Donations will be accepted at BankSA branches soon. Online orders can be delivered here: Backpacks 4 SA Kids 8 Tareena Street Ridgehaven SA 5097 TIME POOR but would still like to help? You can make a cash donation using the link in the comments and we will can purchase for you using our wholesale suppliers. Together we can bring some joy to kids who otherwise would go without this Christmas. *Images are for demonstration purposes only and we can not guarantee stock levels or current pricing. #ChristmasDeedForKidsInNeed #DoingItForTheKids

04.01.2022 WE NEED MORE HEARTS For some time now, we have been including a special hand held heart in our backpacks. These are lovingly hand made and a way to show our kids that they are thought of and not alone - they are also a great, soothing sensory tool. Sarah from 1000 Hearts has provided the pattern as well as the option to purchase perfect pre-cut hearts with long lasting and eco friendly felt.... If you think this is something that you would enjoy or even a craft activity for the kids while on school holidays, please feel free to purchase a Heart Starter Kit or check out the options on their Facebook page. #DoingItForTheKids #1000Hearts https://www.etsy.com//heart-starter-kit-with-pre-cut-heart

04.01.2022 Our phenomenal Ambassador David Campbell in action at the ANZ Community Ball with James Morrison and the Motown Band. Hugely successful night raising funds for a range of amazing charities. Thank you DC for being the amazing (and talented) man that you are and emceeing the night .... #doingitforthekids #ANZcommunityball #DavidCampbell #TheManTheGentleman #Backpacks4SAKids

04.01.2022 The Woodworkers Shed Northern Districts were referred to us by our friends at Bunnings Warehouse Australia to find a way to increase the height of our sorting and packing trestle tables - and save our backs! The clever team came up with the idea of table leg extensions!! After a bit of trial and error, maybe a few grumbles and many laughs along the way, they have come up the perfect fix for our too low tables. We now have some very happy volunteers and staff as a result. Th...ank you Woodworkers Shed! If you are interested in joining the Woodworkers Shed just email them at [email protected] #Woodworkers #ThankYou

04.01.2022 FRIDAY FEEDBACK Email received from a 14 year old Backpack recipient: I used to ask my parents for the simple things like socks, deodorant, pants that fit even a jumper and each time they would say there was no money for 'luxury items'. ... I thought all the kids at school were rich because they always had nice clothes, they didn't smell and some of them would laugh at me because I did. The older I got the less I wanted to go to school, I didn't like being different. One day I went to school and at the end of the day one of the staff I had worked with told me I couldn't go home, my parents had left and I had to go into care. I thought my world had ended, the people who were meant to love me didn't even care, let alone love me. I know now they were sick and couldn't care for me the way I needed to be looked after. I went into the care and received a backpack and all those items I used to dream about arrived in a backpack. Thank you for providing me with the things that made me smile at a time I didn't think I ever would again... #DoingItForTheKids #FridayFeedback

03.01.2022 Do you want to know something/anything about Backpacks 4 SA Kids? While we are resetting up for the year and I have a few spare moments, lets clear up any of those unanswered questions and start the 2021 fresh. Hoping to chat with you soon.... #doingitforthekids #questionandanswer #Doing #

02.01.2022 Our Anchor Pack program provides emergency packs geared to the needs of young people aged 12-25 years experiencing primary or secondary homelessness i.e. sleeping rough or having only temporary, unsafe or unsuitable accommodation. Anchor Packs make a positive difference to the lives of young people by providing emergency items, information and a boost to self-esteem by knowing there is help available and people do care about them. WHAT WE NEED (all items must be brand new):... USBs Brand named caps Power packs (Portable Chargers) Sleeping Bags Beanies Condoms Non-aerosol bug repellent Stress balls Adult colouring books Colouring Pencils Bags or large sized backpacks Metro Cards with $10 credit Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to purchase stock and drop off at one of our drop off points, you will find these on our website. If you would like to place an online order for delivery, our delivery address is: Backpacks 4 SA Kids 8 Tareena Street Ridgehaven SA 5097 If you would rather donate funds for us to use for bulk orders, please follow the link in the comments. Thank you for helping us make a difference to our young people who need us most. #DoingItForTheKids #ThankYouForYourSupport #AnchorPacks