PGL Camp Rumbug visits its nominated local charity, Backpacks 4 VIC Kids
Did you know that all our activity and support centres have a nominated charity that they fundraise for throughout the year? Each centre chooses its own charity according to the needs of its local community, and for our team at PGL Camp Rumbug, that chosen charity is Backpacks 4 VIC Kids (B4VK).
A few weeks ago, the camp’s leadership team visited the charity’s headquarters to deliver donations, volunteer their time and learn more about the important role Backpacks 4 VIC kids provides.
Camp Rumbug team visited B4VK
B4VK supports vulnerable young people who are displaced due to abuse, homelessness or parent/guardian incapacity. The charity’s core project was created to support young people experiencing the trauma of relocation – something that often happens abruptly, at night, and leaves children distressed and lacking essential items.
The Camp Rumbug team raised $1,000 AUD, which was matched by PGL Beyond making a grand total of $2,000 AUD to go directly to the charity. The team also collected a wide range of items from baby wipes to clothing via a donation box in the office.
Colleagues also were truly creative in their fundraising efforts, including a 100K-step challenge (in one day, starting at 4am!) across Victoria’s Great Southern Rail Trail; a silent auction offering prizes such as a fishing trip, a horse-riding lesson and a “write your own roster” perk; and the sale of hoodies designed by the Rumbug team, with all proceeds going to B4V.
Camp Rumbug team in action
So where will these funds go? B4VK’s core product is the ‘My Essentials’ for young people entering out-of-home care or emergency accommodation. These backpacks contain items that provide comfort and dignity at a time when they need it most. Each bag contains:
🧸 A teddy bear and blanket
🧦 Socks and underwear
👕 Two sets of clothes and PJs
📚 Books, stationery and a torch
🧼 Toiletries and comfort items
These bags cost $35 AUD each to assemble, but the relief it can offer a young person may well be life-changing. Since its founding in 2015, the charity has delivered over 47,000 packs and expanded their programmes to care for young people in foster care, affected by natural disaster, or experiencing homelessness, as well as School Essentials Packs that help get young people back into education.
While visiting the centre, the Camp Rumbug leadership team helped out assembling bags and sorting urgent orders, and some became Santa’s elves for the day – packing Christmas 4 Kids in Care Packs, which will be sent out in early November.
Packing ‘My Essentials’ backpacks
One of the team described the day as a “truly humbling and eye-opening experience that reminded us of just how vital this organisation is. These bags are designed to offer not just practical support, but comfort, dignity, and love in the toughest of moments.”
