Toorak Branch of Save the Children provides much-needed support for Mooroopna’s ‘safe place’
For almost 30 years, the members of the Toorak Branch of Save the Children have worked tirelessly to raise much needed funds to ensure a brighter future for all children.
The Save the Children kindergarten at Mooroopna has long been a focus for fundraising and passionate support by the branch. This kinder is a safe place for children from diverse backgrounds and has a long history in the region with a strong connection to our First Nations People and has indigenous culture embedded into its practice daily.
The Mooroopna Kindergarten is such a special place, providing the best possible start for children, and is making generational change within their community.
Sadly, the Mooroopna Kindergarten was significantly damaged in the November floods, with little other than the internal frames left standing.
The Mooroopna Kindergarten was inundated in the devastating floods that swept through the region.
Photo: Lee Joachim / Save the Children
With this long-standing connection to the kindergarten, the Toorak Branch of Save the Children, dedicated their Christmas fundraising event to the rebuilding project.
Margot Melzak, Branch President, had all 80 guests vying for items in a very spirited silent auction, along with a wonderful raffle. Auction items were generously donated by local businesses and included a stunningly decorated Christmas cake, Christmas tree and gifts for children. A gift stall was also held, selling handmade chutneys, jams and beautifully handcrafted cards. The event raised substantial funds to give the re-building of the Mooroopna Kindergarten a very healthy kick start.
Martin Williams and Sharon French of Save the Children and Margot Melzak, Toorak Branch President,
had guests vying for items in a spirited silent auction, along with a wonderful raffle.
Photo: Deirdre Lewis / Save the Children
Five generations at the Mooroopna Kindergarten
On the day, Lee Joachim, Northern Victorian Manager of Save the Children, sent a personal video message of thanks to all who helped the Toorak Branch raise funds. In fact, Lee attended the kindergarten himself in 1970 and now continues to work for the rights of children and the benefits early childhood education can provide. A wonderful connection was made earlier this year when Lee personally attended a branch meeting to describe the importance of the kindergarten as “historically his family’s safe space”, as his own family has benefited personally from the Mooroopna Kindergarten for five generations.
Lee Joachim, Northern Victorian Manager of Save the Children, sent a video message to thank all
who helped raise funds to re-build the kinder.
Photo: Sharon French / Save the Children
On behalf of all the children and families who will benefit, our heartfelt gratitude to all of the members of the Toorak Branch and their supporters for their much-needed help for the Mooroopna Kindergarten at this time.