04/08/2025
A Sobering and Powerful Experience at Backpacks 4 VIC Kids
Last Friday, the PGL Camp Rumbug Centre Leadership Team had the privilege of visiting our chosen charity — Backpacks 4 VIC Kids. It was a truly humbling and eye-opening experience that reminded us of just how vital this organisation is.
As a team, we raised $1,000 — matched by PGL — and collected a wide range of items from baby wipes to clothing. We arrived ready to help, and we left deeply moved.
Backpacks 4 VIC Kids supports displaced and at-risk children across Victoria, providing ME Bags (My Essentials) for kids aged 1–18. Each bag contains:
🧸 Teddy bear & blanket
🧦Socks & underwear
👕2 sets of clothes & PJs
📚Books, stationery & a torch
🧼Toiletries & comfort items
Wayne, a member of the team, explained the careful way these bags are packed — and why. Many children are removed from their homes late at night, with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing, carers need to know where to find certain items in a hurry and he shared the reason why.
When carers arrive many children are just in their underwear and due to the situation often need to be changed, socks to keep their feet protected, tissues to wipe away tears, blanket to cover them and keep them warm, a teddy for comfort and as we know most children as scared of the dark, so a torch is provided.
These bags are designed to offer not just practical support, but comfort, dignity, and love in the toughest of moments. The cost to assemble one? Just $35. The impact? Truly priceless.
They also now provide YO Bags (Youth Outreach Bags) — in high demand due to the heartbreaking rise in youth homelessness.
📊 Did you know?
• Over 7,600 children under 17 experience homelessness in Victoria each year.
• More than 44,000 reports of child protection concerns were made in 2023 alone.
• Youth aged 15–24 make up 1 in 5 of Australia’s homeless population.
While some of our team helped pick urgent orders, others became Santa’s elves, packing Santa Sacks ready to roll out in early November.
This experience reminded us just how important it is to support charities like Backpacks 4 VIC Kids. The need is urgent, but so is the compassion and dedication of this incredible organisation.
We’re very proud of our partnership with this amazing organisation, providing for children and young people who deserve safety, dignity, and care. 💛
If you would like to donate or get involved, please visit https://www.backpacks4vickids.org.au/
