More than 200 children in Anglicare Victoria’s foster care, residential care and education programs will receive a backpack filled with resources and equipment to encourage them to feel confident in a new home, as well as in the classroom.
Corporate partners Blue Connections IT and Dell Technologies held their very first Backpack Giving Day in April, encouraging staff and customers to give their time and put together backpacks full of useful items for young people in care that might have very little of their own.
The backpacks were made up with items such as a soft toy, some basic clothing and toiletries, as well as a journal and equipment they would need for school. More than 150 customers and staff members were on hand to pack the backpacks and get them ready for delivery.
Paul McDonald, CEO of Anglicare Victoria said that it’s the agency’s job to help kids in care fall in love with education.
“Unfortunately in out-of-home care, only about 30 per cent of children progress past year 10. We want education to be their best friends, and every pack helps,” Paul said.
“It was fantastic to have Blue Connections, Dell Technologies, Arid Zone and their clients and customers coming in to lend a hand. It really means a lot to us.”
Erica Smith, Head of Marketing at Blue Connections IT said people walked away from the Backpack Giving Day feeling good that they were able to play a small part in helping disadvantaged children looked after by Anglicare Victoria
“We’ve had a good relationship with Anglicare Victoria for a long time, and wanted to assist the organisation more with the work they do. When we spoke to our customers about the Backpack Giving Day, they were all keen to get involved,” she said.
“The turn out for this year’s event was just fantastic. Especially after COVID-19, people are wanting to give back to those less fortunate than themselves. We’re already looking forward to doing this again – it’s going to be bigger and better next year!”
