Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis MP is pleased to advise the Narungga electorate office at 37 Graves Street Kadina is a new designated drop off point for the charity, Backpacks 4 SA Kids.
“My staff and I are happy to be involved with this valuable initiative that provides backpacks for children facing displacement from home and having to enter emergency care, often with short notice and in traumatic situations and taking nothing with them except the clothes on their backs,” Fraser said.
“Anyone who wishes to help such children can drop in filled backpacks or items to put in backpacks and we will ensure these items are delivered to Backpacks 4 SA Kids.
“Items needed include essential things such as clothing, pyjamas, underwear, toiletries, as well as games, puzzles, and stationery. You can also follow Backpacks 4 SA Kids Facebook site for up-to-date information on what items are needed or visit www.Backpacks4sakids.org for more information.
“We have already received items at the office and advise there is no end date for collection – the initiative will be ongoing with items and backpacks able to be dropped any time Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm”, Fraser said.
Across Australia, approximately 44,000 children become homeless every year, often leaving homes in a hurry with their mums due to family violence. In response, Backpacks 4 SA Kids commenced as a charity in 2012 and has since assisted more than 6,300 children per year.
Local Backpacks 4 SA Kids ambassador, Justine Koch of Kulpara, is pleased the Narungga electorate office has come on board as a drop off point and says since her involvement with the charity she has been kept busy delivering donations to the charity’s Adelaide warehouse.
“Being a foster carer, I understand the value of children having their own backpack of personal items when entering care, and since being involved in promoting the charity I have seen the backpacks initiative gain momentum across Yorke Peninsula.
“Having a convenient, central drop off point in Graves Street in Kadina will be invaluable and I thank Fraser for his commitment to helping this worthy cause,” Justine said.