More than a decade ago, while still in her early twenties, Chloe and her husband Sam opened their home to children requiring temporary care while their families worked through significant challenges. During this time, they cared for several young children, supporting not only the children themselves but also the broader process of family reunification.
Chloe described the experience as both challenging and rewarding, helping shape the path she would later take professionally through her work in youth wellbeing, vocational support, and mental health services.
One of the most powerful themes of her presentation was the importance of providing children with dignity and a sense of belonging during periods of uncertainty.
She recalled that many children entering care arrived with very few possessions and often lacked items that most people take for granted. This personal experience gave special meaning to the Rotary Club of Mount Eliza's recent support of Backpacks 4 Vic Kids.
The organisation provides backpacks filled with essential items, comfort objects, and personal belongings for children entering emergency or foster care situations across Victoria. These backpacks help ensure children have something that belongs to them during what is often a traumatic and unsettling time.
For Chloe, this initiative represents the practical impact that community organisations can have on the lives of vulnerable children.
She spoke passionately about Rotary's ability to create meaningful change through local and international projects, noting that seeing the direct impact of service is one of the reasons she has developed such a strong connection with Rotary.
The Rotary Club of Mount Eliza recently contributed $1,000 to Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, helping support the organisation's important work with children and families across Victoria.
Chloe's presentation served as a powerful reminder that behind every service project is a human story. By supporting initiatives such as Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, Rotary members and supporters are helping provide comfort, dignity, and hope to children at some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Through projects like these, Rotary continues to demonstrate how communities working together can make a lasting difference.