Written by Kerrie Alexander
When child safety officers are removing children from tragic circumstances it’s usually an emergency with very little time to pack any belongings.
Imagine a child being taken from their home and placed into the care of a foster carer in a strange home, in the middle of the night, with only a handful of clothes in a garbage bag.
Thankfully, there’s people like Kathryn Rodda and the team from Hope in a Suitcase – Fraser Coast who follow the Australian cultural idiom that embodies equality, loyalty and the want to help a fellow Aussie in need.
They do this by volunteering their time to give children from new-born to 17-year-olds, some comfort and love.
Hope in a Suitcase is a national not-for-profit organisation with a Fraser Coast branch that covers Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Bundaberg.
The charity works closely with local child services agencies and Churches of Christ Care to be on hand to provide a brand-new suitcase with essential items for children entering foster care or out-of-home care, so they have something to call their own.
Locally, they have been donating up to 150 cases a year. These bags are then taken with them to each placement, and sadly for many kids, they will move multiple times.
Kathryn, who has been the coordinator of HIASFC for three years, said the idea was born from the notion that every child deserves to own something special.
“We aim to show these precious children and teenagers that they are worthy of so much more than a garbage bag,” Kathryn said.
“It is the worst day of these kids’ lives and despite what their life is like, they are still leaving everything they know and going into a stranger’s house.
“For privacy reasons we don’t know who the cases go to, but the case workers always tell us how wonderful it is to see the kids’ faces when they open them up.
“A lot of the time the kids ask if they have to give it back.”
The suitcases serve a purpose beyond the practical – alongside underwear, clothes, and toiletries, there’s also a blanket, and a journal, as well as books and toys.
There are cases for babies with bottles, nappies and wipes.
Each suitcase is age- and gender-appropriate – for example, smaller kids will get picture books, and older kids will get novels.
Colouring books and pencils are also included, with older boys getting a range of sports balls in a duffle bag rather than a suitcase, which can also second as a school bag.
Older girls will also get a duffle bag with some small items of make-up and hand creams.
Plus, every single suitcase, no matter what the age, gets a stuffed toy and a nightlight.
“We had some feedback from a now adult that had been in foster care as a child.
“When he was placed in foster care it was often at nighttime and left with strangers in a house with all the lights turned off.
“He said that was quite scary, so we took that on board and now put a nightlight in everyone’s bag.”
Kathyrn said the team is always looking for donations of suitcases and contents to fill them however, everything must be new.
“This is something we are very strict on.
“Most of these kids have never had anything that is just for them because it’s always usually hand-me-downs or in poor condition or the clothes don’t fit properly.
“Having these things means that someone has gone out and bought something just for them. They don’t have to share it, it’s theirs to keep.
“I like to pack out my suitcases to the brim and usually requires me leaning on them to close them,” she said with a laugh.
Kathryn not only volunteers her time to this cause, but she has also opened her home and her heart as a foster carer to newborns and toddlers for the past six years, even with three teenage boys of her own.
Kathryn said she always liked the idea of being a foster carer and was thankful to find a husband with the same ideals.
Some children have just stayed while other arrangements have been made and others have stayed long term.
“That’s how we know that these kids come with nothing,” she said.
“It is interesting having a broad range of teenagers and little people, but my sons are like big brothers.
“The toddlers copy the big boys and the phrases that come out of their mouth just crack me up.
“We just love being able to help kids that just need it at the time and our theory is that we will love them and care for them for however long they are with us.
“We just love them as long as they are there.”
Kathryn would love to see the Fraser Coast community get behind the cause by donating suitcases and items, or by visiting the national website to donate to the Fraser Coast funding.
There are drop off points at the Bendigo Bank on Main Street, Pialba or at Storage King on Islander Road, Pialba.
Drop off locations are desperately needed in Maryborough so if anyone can help, drop Kathyrn an email at frasercoast@hiasc.org.au or send a private message on the charities Facebook page.
