By Alesha Capone
The Hoppers Club has donated $2000 to a charity which provides backpacks to children in foster care and kinship care.
The Hoppers Club, which is based in Hoppers Crossing, was recognised for donating the funds to Backpacks 4 VIC Kids last week.
The donation helped Backpacks 4 VIC Kids to purchase around 50 backpacks, to be provided to children in need.
Hoppers Club members and representatives from Backpacks 4 VIC Kids attended the offices of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Footscray on Wednesday, where the backpacks were presented to the DHHS.
Backpacks 4 VIC Kids was based the home of its founder, chief executive and secretary, Sally Beard, until June 2016, when it moved to a commercial premises. It will soon move to a new premises in Footscray.
During the past five years, the charity has provided 6500 backpacks and nappy-bags worth over $2 million to youngsters in need.
The packs are filled with items such as toiletries, clothing, sleepwear, a torch, blanket and a toy or activity, for children who are placed into foster care or the care of their wider family.
The packs must be requested in writing by workers in the sector, such as foster care agencies, DHHS employees or Victoria Police.
Backpacks 4 VIC Kids, which is mainly run by volunteers, relies on donations sought through fundraising, grants and sponsorship.
Some donations of items for its packs must be new, but pre-loved clothing that is in excellent condition can be donated.
Backpacks 4 VIC Kids has drop-off locations for donations across the state including in Footscray, Laverton, Hoppers Crossing and Williamstown.
Details: www.backpacks4vickids.org.au/
