An article from David Baker, Rotary Camberwell
Camberwell Rotary is the recipient of a generous $5,000 District 9800 Foundation Matching Grant that will put smiles on the dials of a number of children entering Out of Home foster care.Camberwell Rotary is matching the grant with $5,000 toward the project, funding the purchase of more than 750 high quality products for donation to Hope in a Suitcase, a non-profit organisation run by volunteers who are incredibly passionate about showing every child who enters the foster care system that they are loved and valued by their community.
Suitcase contents to give hope to children in foster care
The aim of the organisation is to give each child a small 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 suitcase provides essential items to children during their difficult upheaval into care. The standard items include toiletries (sanitary items for the older girls), underwear, pyjamas, a change of clothing, a toy and a book.
But that’s not all! The total contribution of $10,000 will provide for some value-added items such as sports balls, gem arts kits and top quality water bottles: something the children can enjoy and call their very own.
Since its inception Hope in a Suitcase has delivered 23,940 items to children in Child Protection Services: more than 1,500 in Victoria in 2025 alone. The small items give the recipients a purpose and a solid foundation for their learning and development.
Editor's Note: at the recent Multi-District Summit in Horsham, a load of suitcases was driven up from Melbourne and delivered to the relevant authority for distribution to children in need in the Wimmera. To learn more about Hope in a Suitcase: www.hiasc.org.au/
Colourful suitcases ready for distribution