Hope in a Suitcase
Sadly, each week in Australia, hundreds of children and young people will enter foster care or out-of-home care.
It has been our pleasure and privilege to support and assist 2 amazing organisations this month, Hope in a Suitcase and Backpacks 4 VIC Kids, both of whom are incredible advocates for displaced children in Australia.
Sadly, each week in Australia, hundreds of children and young people will enter foster care or out-of-home care. Most of the time, when children are removed from their home, it happens very quickly and is quite traumatic. Quite often they are unable to gather any of their belongings and enter care with only the clothes on their back.
Hope in a Suitcase Australia is a non-profit organisation founded by Rachael Clancy, who has now herself fostered 11 children, and is run by volunteers who are incredibly passionate about showing every child in the foster care system that they are loved and valued by their community.
They do this by giving them a suitcase of their very own to ensure they have a safe and secure place in which to pack their belongings and take with them wherever their journey may lead.
The suitcases are filled with essential items such as toiletries, underwear, a set of pyjamas and a change of clothing. They also include something to cuddle for the younger children, a book to read, a journal or colouring-in books and pencils to encourage creativity and provide a distraction away from their turmoil.
Proteus had the honour of donating 30 new suitcases to Hope in a Suitcase to assist in helping with this incredible initiative.
There are so many ways that you too can help. You can donate money; you can donate suitcases or items to fill the suitcases (a list of items needed can be found on their website). You can also get your workplace, sporting clubs or friends involved or show your support on social media by liking and sharing their Facebook Page.
