Backpacks 4 SA Kids

When safety means fleeing your home with nothing, even the smallest gesture can mean everything. That’s the reality for thousands of South Australian children entering foster care, domestic violence shelters, or crisis accommodation - often without a toothbrush, clean clothes, or even a favourite toy to hold onto.

That’s where Backpacks 4 SA Kids steps in - restoring dignity, one bag at a time.

Packing Hope with Purpose

Over a decade ago, two South Australian families saw a heartbreaking need: local kids entering care with nothing. Inspired by a similar program in Queensland, they decided to take action - and Backpacks 4 SA Kids was born.

Led today by CEO Rachael Zaltron, the charity started with a simple goal: distribute 10 backpacks to children entering care. In their very first year, they exceeded that goal by over 500%, delivering 564 backpacks. The need was clearly greater than anyone expected.

Fast forward to today, and the impact is extraordinary: over 100,000 children supported, including more than 6,050 just last year, with a third sent to remote and rural communities across Australia.

Each backpack is thoughtfully filled with essentials - pyjamas, toiletries, books, clothing, and comfort items - designed to ease the trauma of displacement and provide something to call their own.

“Without these backpacks, many children in our care would arrive with nothing. The support reaching our regional area is invaluable,” shared one caseworker.

Cars for Good Steps In

When the easyauto123 Mile End South team selected Backpacks 4 SA Kids for a $1,000 donation through Cars for Good, Rachael’s response was deeply heartfelt:

“That is just amazing, thank you so much for your generosity and care. There are so many kids out there who need our support.”

She later added:

“After meeting with the team, we are desperately short of teen winter clothing, so the $1,000 will go a long way to ensuring our kids have something warm and new this winter.”

The funds will directly help replenish backpacks and provide urgently needed winter items to teens currently entering care - a group often under-resourced and overlooked.

Why It Matters

Backpacks 4 SA Kids is proof that a simple idea, led with heart, can transform lives. It’s more than just a bag - it’s reassurance, dignity, and the first step toward healing during life’s most vulnerable moments.

Through Cars for Good, we’re proud to support the incredible work Rachael and her team are doing to quietly uplift South Australian children, one backpack at a time.

Because every child deserves something to call their own - and someone who cares enough to give it.

Visit Backpacks 4 SA Kids to explore their programs, donate, or get involved.