By Marcus Uhe
Cranbourne-based charity organisation Backpacks 4 Vic Kids (B4VK) has been selected as a finalist for the 2022 Robin Clark Making a Difference Award as part of this year’s Victorian Protecting Children Awards.
The award recognises the contribution of a team or group of people who have worked to directly improve the lives of children, young people and families in Victoria.
B4VK offers support for children in emergency accommodation and out of home care, such as foster care, by providing essential items including toiletries and sanitary products, clothes, stationary and lunch boxes.
Founder of B4VK Sally Beard said she was overwhelmed to receive the nomination.
“For me personally it’s great to see my passion and work recognised, but for all the B4VK team it means so much as most are volunteers,” Ms Beard said.
“To know that people see what they’re doing and view it as important is special.
“Each morning we have a huddle in the warehouse and it’s been a great lift in hard times, to tell everyone that this is happening. It’s so meaningful.”
Ms Beard took the opportunity to thank the After Hours Child Protection Services, who nominated B4VK for the award, and wished all nominees well ahead of the ceremony on 7 September.
“Just being nominated is amazing, and then to then be told we were selected as a finalist is outstanding. If we were to in this category with so many incredible organisations and community groups also nominated, I don’t know if I would have words.”
To learn more about B4VK or to make a donation head to backpacks4vickids.org.au/home
To view the list of other nominees and awards up for grabs to go dffh.vic.gov.au/victorian-protecting-children-awards
