Kids Hope

21/05/2026

This week is National Volunteer Week, celebrating the incredible impact of volunteers across Australia. We’re so grateful for our Kids Hope volunteers who build connection, nurture hope, and strengthen communities every day.

Take a moment to watch Simon’s heartfelt thank-you. Whether you volunteer, support, or are thinking of getting involved—thank you for being part of the Kids Hope Village and helping create brighter futures.

15/05/2026

We often hear how Kids Hope mentors make a big difference in the lives of their mentor children. But what’s just as powerful and often unexpected is the mentors telling us their own lives have been impacted too. Here are just a few:

“Mentoring has taken me out of my comfort zone and, as a retiree, given me a purpose in life.”

“Being a mentor is the most challenging but most rewarding thing I have ever done.”

“I appreciate the relationship with my own children more as a result of being a mentor.”

"I just have a sense of privilege. How amazing to be able to spend an hour a week."

" I believe for me that being a Kids Hope mentor has fulfilled my life and enriched my life. And doubly so, knowing that I've been able to support a child who is vulnerable and in need of an adult
mentor. It's given me incredible joy being a special adult for another child. I would encourage anyone who's even thinking about it to give it a go."

09/05/2026

A chappie shared this with us this week about a mentor child in their school program:
"One little man in particular, when his mentor walks in, you can see the weight of life lift off his shoulders, and for one whole hour he has the opportunity to just be a kid, and be loved, respected and cared for. And as soon as his mentor leaves, you can see the weight descend on him again. That last part is obviously heart breaking, but we are starting to see real change and maturity from this kid, where previously there was none."
Amy, Chaplain, VIC

03/05/2026

We were delighted this week to hear that a former mentored child recently travelled to the USA to take part in the AIAA Design Build Fly competition as part of a student‑led aerospace team from RMIT University.

This remarkable opportunity and achievement was a shared moment of pride for the mentors who continue to volunteer at the primary school where he was supported—celebrating not only one young person’s journey, but also the long‑standing commitment of a dedicated team who have faithfully shown up for children at this school for the past 15 years.

These moments invite us to reflect on the role a caring mentor may have played along the way. And remind us that hope, consistency, and care matter. The encouragement offered over a weekly mentoring hour can ripple outward, strengthening confidence, opening up opportunities, and shaping choices.

24/04/2026

Lest we forget.

17/04/2026

Happy Friday everybody! 🎉 We wanted to share this article The Lutheran recently published about the special Kids Hope program run by St Mark’s Lutheran Church Mount Barker SA 🥰🫶❤️

Just one hour a week may seem a small commitment, but for a primary-school-aged child, that consistent time with a trusted adult can be life-changing.

10/04/2026

A lovely mentor, sent this fun activity idea in to us: "An easy microwave chocolate activity if you have a fridge handy!"🥰🧸
- Sandra, mentor, VIC

02/04/2026

May this Easter season be a time of renewal, kindness, and shared moments that lift the heart and strengthen community. To bring a smile, here are a few egg‑cellent Easter‑themed jokes to enjoy and share with your loved ones over the break and school holidays 🤣🐣🐰❤️✝️

Why can’t Easter eggs tell jokes?
They’d crack up.

What did the Easter egg say to the other Easter egg?
Heard any good yolks lately?

What kind of music does the Easter Bunny love most?
Hip-hop, of course.

What do you call a rich rabbit?
A million-hare.

Why did the chocolate bunny visit the doctor?
It was feeling hollow inside.

What do you call an Easter egg that goes to the gym?
An eggs-ercise enthusiast.

What do you call ten rabbits marching backwards?
A receding hare-line.

How do Easter eggs stay in shape?
They eggs-ercise.

What kind of jewelry does the Easter Bunny wear?
14 carrot gold.

What happened to the Easter Bunny when he misbehaved at school?
He was eggs-pelled.

Why did the Easter egg hide?
Because it was a little chicken.

What’s an Easter egg’s favorite day of the week?
Any day but Fry-day.

What do you get when you pour boiling water down a rabbit hole?
A hot cross bunny.

What did the mommy egg say to the baby egg?
You’re egg-stra special.

How does a rabbit brush his fur?
With a hare-brush.

What kind of books do Easter Bunnies like?
Ones with hoppy endings.

How does the Easter Bunny paint all those eggs?
He hires Santa’s elves during the off-season.

What’s a rabbit’s favorite season?
Spring, because that’s when every bunny hops outside.

Source: https://www.rd.com/list/96-easter-jokes-that-will-crack-up-your-peeps/

27/03/2026

A recent reflection from an Assistant Principal about a boy in their school's Kids Hope program:

"Last year we had a little boy who had moved around a lot between states and family members. Life was really unsettled for him. Having one constant person come in every week to play board games, or kick the footy made a huge difference. No matter what was happening at home, he knew his mentor would be there. Seeing his face light up when his mentor arrived was priceless.

We’ve definitely seen changes. He’s more confident now, better at waiting his turn, joining in games, and overall he’s just a much happier little boy."

20/03/2026

We were delighted to film interviews at Eastwood Primary School this week for an upcoming promotional video. Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes. We spoke with Vice Principal and Wellbeing Leader Mel Douglas—here’s what she shared.

“Sometimes people might say to me, ‘Oh, why do you have Kids Hope at your school?’ And I say, ‘How could you NOT have Kids Hope at our school?’ Because there isn’t enough people to go around and offer that one‑on‑one TLC support for some students when they’re having a really hard day.

Some of the students may have some challenges in their life. They may have experienced trauma. They may have experienced exposure to family violence. They may have trouble making friends and things like that. Or family separations. And so when a mentor comes in, they meet the child at their level. There’s no huge expectation on them other than to be building a relationship with the child and letting them know that they’ve got someone in their corner.

So they might go outside and play sports. They might do cooking or craft. They might sit and just read a book or play a card game together. But all of that is just one‑on‑one time solely dedicated to that child. And that’s what makes the world of difference for the child.”

Huge thanks to the team at Eastwood Primary School and Ringwood Church of Christ for their support in bringing this project together.