Speeches
Wednesday, 16 October 2024
Reception to acknowledge supporters of Backpacks 4 SA Kids
It is with great pleasure that Rod and I welcome you to Government House today and wish Backpacks 4 SA Kids a happy 12th birthday on the 12th October!
We are pleased to have the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable work of Backpacks 4 SA Kids, and the incredible community of people behind it.
The strength of a community can be measured by the willingness of its members to help those in need.
As Governor, I have the privilege of meeting many inspiring South Australians who recognise a need and then take bold steps to meet it.
The founders and supporters of Backpacks 4 SA Kids are perfect examples of this spirit in action.
The journey from a small operation run from Backpacks 4 SA Kids founder Rachael Zaltron’s home garage to an organisation that has helped 100,000 South Australian children is truly remarkable.
For a child entering emergency care, facing a crisis, or dealing with trauma, receiving a backpack filled with items chosen with care can make a big difference.
By providing essential clothes, toiletries, sleeping bags, and metro cards, Backpacks 4 SA Kids empowers young people and their families to navigate their challenges with resilience and dignity.
The backpacks serve as a powerful reminder that no child is alone; our community cares deeply and stands ready to support them.
Backpacks 4 SA Kids works diligently alongside child protection, family violence, and homelessness agencies to provide as many displaced children as possible with backpacks.
None of this would be possible without the dedication and hard work of your supporters.
I thank the individuals, organisations, and businesses whose generous financial contributions and in-kind donations have made this mission possible.
Whether you have donated pyjamas to keep children warm, created soft toys to offer comfort, or joined colleagues in a corporate volunteering session, your contributions are invaluable.
Your support enables Backpacks 4 SA Kids to expand its reach and ensure that every child facing adversity has access to the support they need.
I also thank the founders, board members, and staff of Backpacks 4 SA Kids, whose vision and commitment have created a lasting impact on the lives of children.
The community-driven nature of Backpacks 4 SA Kids is impressive – with just three full-time team members, you have mobilised an incredible 2,000 volunteers.
Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!
As we celebrate the achievements of Backpacks 4 SA Kids, we must acknowledge the unfortunate reality that your work is ongoing.
I understand that you are currently searching for a new warehouse to accommodate your expanding operations, ensuring that your Backpacks, Anchor Packs, and Home Starter Packs can continue to provide crucial support during life’s toughest moments.
Thank you all for your commitment to this important cause.
I wish you every success in the years to come, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth and impact of Backpacks 4 SA Kids.