Meli launches annual appeal for children in care

MELI’S Foster a Future Appeal has launched for another year, as the organisation works to raise much-needed funds for children and young people in care.

Running until September 20, the appeal assists Meli to recruit, train and retain foster carers, as well as provide support and recreational activities for children and young people.

“Right now, we urgently need more foster carers who can provide a stable and nurturing home for a child or young person who cannot live at home or with extended family,” Meli chief executive Robyn Hayles said.

“Couples, families and individuals can all become carers, but there are other ways to show support, such as joining our Foster Care Village, and of course, supporting the Foster a Future Appeal, which has raised $120,000 over the past two years.”

Meli’s Foster Care Village was created to establish an additional support network for the organisation’s foster care families, with volunteers stepping in to help in practical ways, such as providing childcare, accompanying children to extracurricular activities, or being a mentor or friend.

Villawood Properties has thrown its support behind this year’s appeal, using a high-profile corner of its Armstrong development on the Surf Coast Highway to help raise awareness.

This month, giant letters spelling ‘Foster a Future’, commissioned by Villawood, have been installed alongside the well-travelled highway to highlight both the vital need for foster carers and Meli’s contribution to the Armstrong community.

Villawood executive director Rory Costello’s support for the appeal is inspired by a family connection to foster care.

“My parents Tess and John had five children of their own—and also fostered others,” he said.

“We often had children from orphanages stay with us, including some who had disabilities, as Mum taught in a special school.

“I understand there’s real need today to find places for children in difficult circumstances. Meli needs suitable people to step up and help children and young people… just as my parents did.”

He said he was proud to support an appeal “aimed at addressing a critical gap in support for some of our most vulnerable members of the community — kids.”

During Foster Care Week, beginning Monday (September 14), Meli will also host the Foster a Future Breakfast on September 18, with guest speaker Sophie Delezio and MC Myf Warhurst.

For tickets, head to events.humanitix.com/meli-foster-a-future-breakfast-2025