MEJ Charity Spotlight: Kids in Care ACT and YWCA Canberra

Each month the MEJ team shines a light on the organisations making a real difference in our community and beyond. This month, we’re proud to spotlight two organisations doing quietly powerful work for some of Canberra’s most vulnerable people, children navigating the care system, and women and families facing homelessness and disadvantage.

Kids in Care ACT

This month’s first spotlight goes to Kids in Care ACT, nominated by a member of the MEJ team.

Kids in Care ACT began in 2013 with a single, generous impulse. Detective Sergeant John Giles of ACT Policing attended a heartbreaking incident involving four neglected children, including a newborn baby. Moved by what he saw, he launched a small Christmas gift drive, because he couldn’t walk away without doing something.

That something grew into a registered charity that now provides year-round support to vulnerable children across the ACT and surrounding regions. Their Christmas Appeal remains a cornerstone, but the work has expanded to include Go Bags for children entering crisis or temporary care, along with gifts, vouchers, clothing and supplies distributed through care and protection agencies, domestic violence refuges, Indigenous organisations and community services. Volunteer run and community-powered, in recent years Kids in Care ACT has also provided school holiday activities, bikes and trampolines, the kinds of things that help a child feel like a child.

To learn more or support their work, visit Kids in Care ACT.

YWCA Canberra

Our second spotlight this month goes to YWCA Canberra, nominated by Personal Assistant Kathryn Abbey.

“I chose YWCA Canberra because of the incredible work they do to support women, children and families experiencing vulnerability, homelessness and disadvantage in our community,” says Kathryn. “It means a lot to me to support an organisation that helps people feel safe, empowered and supported, and gives them the opportunity to build a brighter future.”

YWCA Canberra has been part of the fabric of this city for decades, providing housing, early childhood education, community programs and advocacy for women and families who need it most. Their work spans crisis support through to long-term empowerment, meeting people where they are and walking alongside them as they rebuild.

To learn more, visit ywca-canberra.org.au.

We spotlight charities each month, giving our team the chance to celebrate the people and organisations making Canberra a better place to live. Keep an eye out for our next spotlight on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.