ABOUT US
Care Bags is a grassroots initiative with a clear purpose - to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in care and at risk across Western Australia. We believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued and supported, especially during moments of great uncertainty.
Our work is driven by compassion, community, and the belief that even small gestures can have a lasting impact.
Every year, thousands of children in WA enter out-of-home care, many with little more than the clothes they’re wearing. The experience can be traumatic, confusing and deeply unsettling. That’s where we come in.
Care Bags are thoughtfully packed with brand new essential items - including clothing, toiletries, books, activities and more - to support children through their first few days in care. Each bag is designed to provide not only practical help, but also a powerful message: you matter, and people care.
Our bags are distributed through Communities, Child Protection and Family Support offices across the state, refuges, hospitals and other community organisations - ensuring they reach children who need them most. The program is entirely community-driven, powered by the generosity of donors, volunteers and local organisations.
We also support older children and young people through our Transient Teenager Toiletry Bags (TTT Bags). These are provided to teenagers and young adults in care, living transient lives or working toward independence. Each TTT Bag contains personal care items to help young people maintain hygiene, self-worth and dignity - vital foundations for building confidence and stability during challenging times.
Together, we can make sure no child enters care feeling forgotten. Whether it’s building a bag, donating funds, spreading the word or volunteering time - every action makes a difference.
Because children in care matter.
OUR TEAM
Sarah, Founder & Chairperson
Sarah, Founder & Chairperson
Sarah, Founder & Chairperson
I’m Sarah, the Founder and Chair of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee. I'm a mum of two and have been a social worker for over 15 years.
Throughout my career, I have seen first-hand the impact of children entering foster care and have always wanted to do something tangible to make this challenging time a little bit
I’m Sarah, the Founder and Chair of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee. I'm a mum of two and have been a social worker for over 15 years.
Throughout my career, I have seen first-hand the impact of children entering foster care and have always wanted to do something tangible to make this challenging time a little bit easier.
After years of thinking about starting this initiative, I finally thought: “If a child can survive the trauma of entering care, I can get over my fear of failure to make their experience a little bit easier”.
Thank you for joining me on this journey - without you, it wouldn’t be possible.
Sandy, Vice Chairperson
Sarah, Founder & Chairperson
Sarah, Founder & Chairperson
I'm Sandy, Vice-Chair of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee.
I first became involved in Care Bags to support my daughter Sarah. It now is a passion of mine. To know that we all are making a difference in the lives of children is an incredible feeling.
Some of the stories we hear bring tears to my eyes but they make m
I'm Sandy, Vice-Chair of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee.
I first became involved in Care Bags to support my daughter Sarah. It now is a passion of mine. To know that we all are making a difference in the lives of children is an incredible feeling.
Some of the stories we hear bring tears to my eyes but they make me more determined to ensure that each child entering out of home care
or a child identified at risk in the community, does receive a Care Bag. It may be a small gesture but we know that it does make a difference.
This is only possible though by the amazingly generous Care Bag community. We have been supported since day one and that support continues to grow.
Thank you everyone. Without you our goals would not be achievable.
Matt, Committee Secretary
Sarah, Founder & Chairperson
Matt, Committee Secretary
I'm Matt, the Secretary of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee. I also lead the Christmas Drive (and might make an appearance in a red suit occasionally....!).
My work puts me in a very fortunate position where I get to help make a real difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people within the WA commun
I'm Matt, the Secretary of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee. I also lead the Christmas Drive (and might make an appearance in a red suit occasionally....!).
My work puts me in a very fortunate position where I get to help make a real difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people within the WA community…particularly the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in State care.
Growing up, I was exposed to many things that no child should ever have to experience. I spent many years trying to find my place in the world and would never have found it if it wasn't for one or two key, caring people.
Knowing how important it is as a child to feel special and that someone out there cares about them (particularly at Christmas time), I feel obligated to do all I can to give back and help bring a little bit of light to a child's life at a time when they need it most.
Beth, Committee Treasurer
Beth, Committee Treasurer
Matt, Committee Secretary
I'm Beth, the Treasurer of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee.
I have 3 adult children and am grandmother to 2 little boys.
During my career in a local Education Support Centre, I witnessed the trauma and bewilderment suffered by children being taken into care, usually at the end of their school day, with no warning
I'm Beth, the Treasurer of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee.
I have 3 adult children and am grandmother to 2 little boys.
During my career in a local Education Support Centre, I witnessed the trauma and bewilderment suffered by children being taken into care, usually at the end of their school day, with no warning or access to their personal and favourite possessions.
These are certainly long lasting memories.
I now have more spare time and am very willing to offer my support to Care Bags, as Treasurer.
Megan, Committee Member
Beth, Committee Treasurer
Lindsay, Committee Member
I'm Megan, a member of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee, and your drop of in Currambine.
I also provide additional support in sorting and tagging Care Bags to ensure they meet the strict minimum requirements before being delivered to children in care.
This initiative struck at my heart as it involves vulnerable chil
I'm Megan, a member of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee, and your drop of in Currambine.
I also provide additional support in sorting and tagging Care Bags to ensure they meet the strict minimum requirements before being delivered to children in care.
This initiative struck at my heart as it involves vulnerable children who may have been through trauma.
Whatever I can do to help, however small, to ease some of the pain of their experience is very rewarding for me.
Lindsay, Committee Member
Beth, Committee Treasurer
Lindsay, Committee Member
I'm Lindsay, a member of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee.
I have been an interested supporter of Care Bags from the very beginning, not only because of the passion of Sarah through her work, but also because of the interaction I have had with foster children during my 50 years as a teacher!
There, that shows you h
I'm Lindsay, a member of the Care Bags - because children in care matter committee.
I have been an interested supporter of Care Bags from the very beginning, not only because of the passion of Sarah through her work, but also because of the interaction I have had with foster children during my 50 years as a teacher!
There, that shows you how old I am! Literacy has always been my passion and I was keen to include a book in every bag for that reason. Like Sandy, shopping is also a passion, especially being able to sniff out a bargain, so I enjoy being able to purchase lots of stuff for little money, an exciting challenge!
I am looking forward to the interaction on the Committee with like minded people, and to be able to contribute my skills towards the on going operations it takes to keep the well oiled wheels turning in this initiative!