Jada helps out!

The following post has been written by a very enterprising young lady who has visions of starting her own charity next year.  Young Jada has asked to help do some fundraising for the backpacks project, (all her own idea) and is finding out how our organisation works.

Hi My name is Jada, I am 11 Yrs Old and in Grade 5, I am always looking for ways to protect our environment and ways to help others who are less fortunate than I am. 


I have had some practice at school with projects this year and setting up Poverty Hour at school for a project, so the other kids could see how homeless people live.

After working on these projects I asked my mum if she could help me set up a charity similar to one I saw in America, helping foster kids by collecting much needed supplies in suitcases, that’s when my mum told me about Back Packs for Aussie Kids and we phoned Despina to see how I could help her Charity.  

I have set myself a goal to fundraise 250 Toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste by Christmas, I have currently collected approx. 30 of each and still have a long way to go.  

I would like everyone to help me reach my goal by sending  Brand New, unopened Toothpaste and Toothbrushes to My mums business address.

Jada Kyle

3 Abernethy ave

Deer Park Vic 3023

Thank you Despina and Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids for giving me the opportunity to help little kids in Foster Care.

Jada 

Project Underpants Week 3 !!!!

Week 3 already!!! and I have to say O.M.G!!! So far 336 pairs of undies have turned up at my place.

The postie is starting to give me some strange looks as he leaves half a dozen or so packages on my back steps daily and the back deck is pretty much covered in donations, (again!). 


{Kid}Independent has organised three more awesome undie themed prizes. This week it's Y-Fronts! LOL! Everyone's favourite kind of underwear.





 Firstly we have the coolest coin purse that you’ll spy this year! These one-of-a-kind wacky y-fronts are completely hand stitched from reclaimed felt by our good friend Cintia from My Poppet. So cool!









Secondly, four knicker sticker packs from Sissy Sparrows. These colourful sets are perfect for creating hilarity on school books, diaries or scrapbooks. Each set is handcut from original illustrations and features a variety of y-fronts and frilly knickers.





 (and my personal fav!!! I am an unashamed cat lover)

Lastly, is an original 8×10″ print by Noosed Kitty. Indi spied it recently on her travels and couldn’t resist snapping it up to add to the prize pool. It features one very brave kitty and his fabulously hilarious superhero mask. I mean, really, who HASN’T attempted to fight crime with knickers on their head… we’ve all been there…



Now just a quick reminder - for every pair of undies you donate (that actually turn up at my place) you will get one entry into the draw!

Winners drawn October 1st 2010, PLUS the person or group who donates the most pairs will win a $150 shopping spree from our friends at Whimsy Child. For full campaign details, please click here.

So, get your pledges in and your undies sent asap to be in the draw!!

Facebook Ponderings . . .

Thought this little discussion was worth blogging. Love to know your thoughts . . .

From Facebook Sunday night the 12th Sept.

(I have removed everyone's last names)

Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids We had our monthly meeting today for B4AK and unfortunately, but not unforseen, our first disagreement about the contents of the bags and what is essential and what is not. Here's the list of the basics that go into the bag, just comment with anything on the list that you don't think is essential - that means, if it do...sen't get donated we purchase it. See comments below for the list
See more
2 hours ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · Share · Promote

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Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids
Bag contents -
torch, toothbrush/paste, shampoo/conditioner, soap, hairbrush, facewasher, pjs, clothing, soft toy, activity/toy and or book, undies, blankie.
I haven't included nappy bag contents here. Just kids/teens. Like to know what you ...think and why. If you are a carer and have an opinion and would like to identify yourself, please do so.See more
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · 1 personLoading... ·
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Emma
I can't see anything wrong with what's in those bags. Although for teens they would probably need deodorant.
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · 7 peopleLoading... · ·
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Sally
im guessing if it comes down to having to leave some things out id choose the soap, shampoo and conditioner. 99% of homes would have these items anyway. But on the other hand its nice for them to have there own
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · 1 personLoading... · ·
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Kel
I was thinking perhaps a blankie might not be as necessary for an older kid as a younger one - i'm not saying get rid of them but maybe put something more age appropriate in the older kids bags, in exchange for the blankie - beanie perhaps ...or scarf???
Otherwise i think everything is necessary!!!See more
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · ·
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Zoe
I too think the blanket might not be needed but maybe some deodorant or a journal/diary
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · 4 peopleLoading... · ·
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Leah
I think it all sounds good, agree with Sally re the soap etc but nice for them if able to get it, and would probably be cheaper/easier for a book than a additional toy? What a great great thing! :)
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · ·
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Nicolle
i work in a resi with boys age 10-18 and our welcome packs are exactly the same except we have deodorant like emma suggested.
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · ·
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Ajaye
I'd prob take the facewasher out and torch, is the torch for those scared of the dark? maybe a glow in the dark toy? or maybe a small nightlight instead? but yeah i agree with the teens need deodorant.
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · ·
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Erin 
Maybe sanitary products for those around the age of puberty- puberty is a scary thing but to have to go through it when you have such an unstable life would be difficult- they might not feel comfortable asking and I think it is an essential for teens. IMO :)
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · 8 peopleLoading... · ·
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Ajaye 
lol we aren't taking anything out we are adding more!
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · 1 personLoading... · ·
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Tammy
agree need deoderant and sanitary product for older kids. maybe take torch out, i would only have a blankie for babies/toddlers
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · 1 personLoading... · ·
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Ang 
I love the diary/journal idea!! Also the deod and sanitary products. ♥
2 hours ago · LikeUnlike · 3 peopleLoading... · ·
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Tarnya 
I think the content are perfect with the addition of deodorant and sanitary pack for the girls. A torch can help a young one feel more secure particularly if they have to navigate a new house to go to the bathroom. Shower products may not s...eem necessary but for a child or teen that has been taken out of a familiar environment it is nice to have something of their own. I think a journal and pen or coloured pencils is a great idea because feelings need to be expressed and either drawing or writing about them can be a way to cope. Great idea.See more
about an hour ago · LikeUnlike · 1 personLoading... · ·
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Tarnya You may be able to get in touch with a company that makes the sanitary pads and ask for them to donate sample packs. You can go onto the website and order a sample so I can't see why they wouldn't donate a large number of packs
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Belynda
@tarnya awesome ideas :)
about an hour ago · LikeUnlike · ·
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Machelle
I am a carer and I would say ditch the shampoo and conditioner. Carers are also trained to deal with teen girls and any puberty issues that arise so I wouldn't worry about sanitary products either. Everything else is great and I would definitely keep the blanket even for teens. I always buy my kids their own "special" blanket and they really do love them.l
about an hour ago · LikeUnlike · 1 personLoading... · ·
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Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids
thanks everyone. Yes, teens get deodorant :o) We haven't included sanitary pads because we pack in sizes and not ages. For eg, we cared for a 7 year old girl who was a kids size 14-16. I'd hate to put pads in and have a child that age end u...p with them, could be awkward all round. If we donate direct to youth shelters we would include them though.
Interesting that people are saying that soap etc is not essential. When I originally came up with the idea, I wanted the bags to be like an overnight bag for the kids, (and a help for the carers), and yes carers probably do have those things in the house and they could probably leave the light on instead of a torch etc. But it's not about what the carer has...for me it's about what we can give the kids. Unfortunately it's come down to money for us and unless we can get some corporate sponsorship or grants happening soon I can see me working at least one day a week just to fund stuff for the packs LOL, yes, my partner knows - he already thinks I'm a bit nuts but he understands my passion for this.
Our project team works really hard to make sure we get everything we need, we just needed to make a decision on how to spend our funds. The meeting was great and we are gearing up for the cent sale and had a beautiful lunch...which is the main thing right :o) ♥ to the team and everyone who commented.See more
about an hour ago · LikeUnlike · 3 peopleLoading... ·
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Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids
thanks Machelle!
about an hour ago · LikeUnlike ·
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Leah
Would there be any chance of hitting up some major motel chains (or the like) that may possibly donate some of the travel size shampoos etc? :)
about an hour ago · LikeUnlike · ·
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Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids
You'd think they would wouldn't you Leah?! Anyone work in a large motel and want to give it a shot, please go for it!!!
about an hour ago · LikeUnlike ·
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Jane
I'm guessing that the chains buy them from HOtel supply wholesalers. I have an ABN so will do some looking into it for you! s
about an hour ago · LikeUnlike · ·
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Leah
I have just emailed you something to read....let me know what you think :)
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Ricky
I think trying for corporate/bulk donations for travel size bathroom stuff is a cool idea - will ask my friends if any have contacts that could help. Basically I think the list is perfect, if finances mean you *have* to trim it back then I'd trim back the blankie for the largest sizes (ie: generally older kids) and possibly the facewasher (on the grounds that no kids I know actually use them) but I do think keeping everything if at all possible is the best solution.
about an hour ago · LikeUnlike · ·
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Kathi
Johnston Maybe a book and a pen, tissues, personal items for teenage girls, deodorant. You're doing a fantastic job anyway. The world needs more people like you. xxxx
56 minutes ago · LikeUnlike · ·
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Leona
Same thought about soap - houses generally have them. I've asked a friend who's hubby's a dentists to see if he can get some small toothpastes I can send up!
31 minutes ago · LikeUnlike · ·
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Michelle
Try Libragirl.com ....i used to order lots of pack for puberty classes in schools...they were great!!!
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What can I say? Our fans are the best! Lots of interesting opinions here and I still haven't given mine or said what the team decided, but still, great to see people are able to be involved with what we are doing!

Apparently I'm quite stubborn, (it's genetic...I'm Greek!), but we, the Greeks also invented democracy, so I'm happy to go with how we voted today at the meeting.

Will let you all know in the next week or so.
des

QCWA Rocks!!!

It was my absolute pleasure to be invited to speak at this years regional QCWA conference at Kurramine Beach (about 40 mins from where I live). There were ladies there from Mackay out to Sarina and up to the Cape!

The local divisions of the QCWA have been wonderful supporter of Backpacks 4 Aussie kids since I started the project last year. The ladies have made blankets, teddies, dolls, cushions and all sorts of other things for us to include in the backpacks and nappy bags.

What can I say about these women? Well, let's see . . . for a start, not one of them was over 25 (mentally!), they were all passionate about being members of their divisions and helping their communities, yet realised that we are all part of a bigger community - from town, to state to country!

This group of highly motivated women of all ages and walks of life really know how to come together and support each other and the more needy people in their areas.

The meeting this year covered everything from proper protocols to follow at meetings, to a self esteem workshop and a Tai Chi training session.





A beautiful woman called Terri was waiting to greet me as I pulled into a car park. The very first time we met I discovered that she was the daughter of my 'Brown Owl' from when I was a littley in the Brownies!

Terri has always made me feel so welcomed to the meetings, as have all the ladies. I feel no age difference, except I think that some of these women have more energy than me!



I was treated to a coffee before my talk and of course I had scones with jam and cream afterward! You can't go to a QCWA thingy without having scones, it just wouldn't be right! (I think it's actually illegal)

I was only a little bit nervous about this presentation and I felt it went well, with lots of questions after and some really generous ladies who sneaked cash donations into my hand. As well as this the ladies loaded up my car with lots and lots of donations for the backpacks.

Several women came up to me and confessed they had tears in their eyes while I was talking about how little these kids in care may have. Some have experienced it first hand, having cared for neighbours kids and other kids not in 'official care', or growing up in a house where their parents cared for other peoples children.

I had such a lovely time chatting with the ladies, as I always do, that I was sad to leave. Hopefully I will get the chance to go to one of their craft mornings soon.

Anne from Babinda Div
 

Inspiring People

It's been a whole week since Tracy and I got home from the Connect2Mums conference in Brisbane and I'm still inspired! That says a lot about the people that were there and the orgainisation of the whole thing.
The project had been nominated for 'Best Service Site' award and I filled in the forms and sent them off, just in the nick of time mind you, because I live on the edge baby.... and because I was procrastinating!

I realise that I've been telling everyone who asks, that the conference was 'amazing, inspiring and so completely awesome!' Which doesn't really tell anyone much about what happened.  The problem is, that even though we were only there for a couple of days, the whole thing felt like much longer, in a really good way.

I got to meet people in real life who until now had just been logos or icons on various networking sites. My best friends Tracy and Amanda were able to meet these people that I'd been talking about for the last year and understand why I'd been ranting about how wonderful they were.

These women, (yes, mostly women and about 3 guys were in attendance), had all started their own businesses from scratch. Some of these ladies had been through the most traumatic and soul crushing experiences, near death experiences and life changing moments that I was stunned and relieved to know that not only was it possible to move forward in your life after these events, it was imperative.

I won't relay the stories here, that is something for their personal blogs and sites, but lets just say that if you needed to find some motivation to get your life moving in an upwards direction again, the conference was the place for you to be.

Initially I was a little skeptical about going to an event like this, but I'd been invited to do a presentation and getting the word out about the backpacks is very important to me. So I went. I listened. I participated. I cried. I laughed (a lot!) and I learned.

So very many of the people we met offered words of support and encouragement and told me that I was an inspiration . . . me? I don't think so, not after hearing other life stories and seeing triumph over adversity in many different ways. But still, I thank those people, without those kind words I wouldn't be here typing this, I'd still be in bed with the cat wishing the day away.

Below are just a few of the people we met in Brisbane!

Congratulations to the winners and all the nominees.

I received the 'Connect2giving' award for my work with the Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids Project along with Dr. Lucy Burns who gives all profits from her online store Better Than Flowers to the muscular dystrophy foundation, (she has MS herself).

Connect2Mums was pretty much my first point of contact for social networking and I'm so happy to be involved and have the opportunity to know these kind and generous group of women, (and a few fellas as well).

des

Image by eszter via Flickr

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New Arrivals

I really have to thank all those generous ladies who responded so quickly to my call for help on Facebook last week. I was almost completely out of soft toys to include in the backpacks and nappy bags. In fact I had only 4 left and a giant Kermit the Frog!

So far this week (Tuesday), I have received two parcels of pre loved toys and a backpack filled with toys, clothes and other bits an pieces.

I especially asked for pre loved soft toys. Why? Because I believe they already have love inside them, and something ready to give to a child who may be sad, confused or just plain tuckered out.

The quality of the toys that arrived has been top notch. These toys have obviously been well cared for. Even if they were sitting on a shelf, they have come from a home full of love. I know this because of the very fact they were sent on to B4AK.

Those who know me well are not surprised that I whisper something special to each toy before I zip the bag up. I loved that movie Toy Story because it was something I think we all secretly believe. So I say to the toys, 'Ok now, you are going to be with a child that really needs you, they may not like you to start with but please take good care of them and show them that love is real and for them'. Or words to that effect.

Silly? Probably, but for a few of these children, this teddy will be with them through some of the hardest parts of their young lives.

So, thank you to those who have sent toys, made monetary donations, given clothes or words of support and encouragement.

I really believe that 'if we can' - 'we should'. In this case, make a positive difference in a child's life.