WALCHA ROTARY CLUB
BACKS UP FOSTER KIDS

Just 4 U Backpacks provides backpacks filled with life’s essentials and comforting items for children entering foster care (aka out-of-home care).

Originally set up by a 9-year-old Walcha boy named Simon who asked his parents to help him with this compassionate project instead of receiving birthday presents and having a party.  How extraordinary from one so young!  Simon raised around $11,000 and distributed about 160 backpacks.  In 2021 the Rotary Club of Walcha took over the project from Simon and his family ensuring it would continue and expand. 

Foster kids from babies to teens come from homes where domestic violence, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, neglect and mental health problems dominate daily life.  They are welcomed into a new home by carers who are complete strangers. Imagine the awful thoughts that must go through their young minds.   Receiving a Just 4 U Backpack on their first day has been shown to reduce the emotional impacts.

For over five years Walcha Rotary has been running this project, working closely with the NSW Department of Communities & Justice (DCJ).  DCJ and the Minister for Families and Communities enthusiastically endorse the project.  Just 4 U Backpacks contain items which provide comfort, reassurance and practicality.

Each Just 4 U Backpack costs around $120 to produce.  In the coming year we’re aiming for 250 units at a total cost of $30,000.  Our principal regions of focus are New England, Northwest and Mid North Coast of NSW.  We aspire to increase our reach.

TAX DEDUCTIBILITY is key to meeting the challenges of funding.

Just 4 U Backpacks is registered under Rotary Australia World Community Services (RAWCS) and Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants (RACG) through the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS) (ABN: 54 563 288 318) Deductible Gift Recipient 1(DGR1) endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office.

Be proud to proclaim your support for children in foster care

Learn about RAWCS at    https://rawcs.org.au/about-rawcs/

LET’S ALL GET BEHIND

JUST 4 U BACKPACKS

Donating is easy, just go to:

https://donations.rawcs.com.au/84-2025-26

For further information

See your contribution come back to your community to help kids in need