Pakenham Central Marketplace has teamed up with SCRgroup’s educational arm to help support local children’s charity Backpacks 4 VIC Kids.
Pakenham Central Marketplace has purchased a multitude of copies of Recycle with Mondo’s picture storybook, Friends of Our World, which teaches children the importance of clothing reuse and recycling, donating 100% of all proceeds to the local children’s charity.
Backpacks 4 VIC Kids works to provide filled backpacks and nappy bags to Victorian children entering out-of-home care and emergency accommodation.
Pakenham Central Marketplace Manager Leanne Williams said this initiative builds on previous local community campaigns conducted at the centre.
“We’ve had a long-standing partnership with SCRgroup and are excited to join forces to support Backpacks 4 VIC Kids, and the wonderful service it provides,” she said.
“Backpacks 4 VIC Kids offers a crucial and fundamental service to children entering out of home care and emergency accommodation, and we wanted to put our support behind this important community cause.”
Backpacks 4 VIC Kids Founder, Sally Beard said the partnership was valuable to the work the not-for-profit does in the local community, as without any ongoing funding these opportunities are essential.
“Around 4,000 children enter out-of-home care placements in Victoria each year. Without wonderful partnerships like this one with SCRgroup and Pakenham Central Marketplace, Backpacks 4 VIC Kids would struggle to give urgently needed resources to these local children,” she said.
The Friends of Our World picture story book is an educational resource used through the Recycle with Mondo program, available to primary schools and local shopping centres.
SCRgroup National Executive Alexis Todorovski said Recycle with Mondo and SCRgroup’s values directly align with the Backpacks 4 VIC Kids ethos, in that they both work towards giving preloved clothing a second, meaningful life.
“It’s amazing to see the impact pre-loved clothing, accessories and other items can have on these young children’s lives,” she said.
“We love to connect charities where we can and give back to our local communities, so we’re pleased to be working with Pakenham Central Marketplace on this initiative and making a positive difference to Backpacks 4 VIC Kids.”
The partnership will be celebrated at Pakenham Central Market Place Shopping Centre on Thursday 4 July from 10am-12pm. All proceeds from sales made on the day and online will be donated to Backpacks 4 VIC Kids, with the final amount being announced on SCRgroup’s social media following the event.
There will be children’s craft activities and a special reading of Friends of Our World on the day. For more information visit
pakenhamcentralmarketplace.com.au
