2025 Campaign

Kathryn Rodda, Foster Carer Churches of Christ & Hope in Suitcase Volunteer Kathryn and her husband have been fostering since 2017 and have provided placement or respite for nearly 50 children and currently care for 2 children with medical needs placed with them since birth. She is always willing to do whatever is required to support the journey of a child in the care system, whether that is travelling several hours for a child’s medical appointments, helping them make connections with family members or supporting the transition to a kinship placement or reunification home so they have every chance of success. Kathryn exhibits her never-ending commitment and energy being a carer, in her day job and through the ongoing support of children and families as the local co-ordinator for Hope in a Suitcase, which provide a suitcase with much needed items of their own to babies, children and teenagers when they enter the care system. Hope in a Suitcase’s local impact has expanded to also provide the maternity ward with Mum & Baby bags to give to new mums escaping DFV in the Fraser Coast region and recently provided toiletry packs and sanitary packs for a local high school’s new ‘Feeling Fresh’ program. Her exceptional commitment is described as endless with her ‘always, always’ going above and beyond for the needs of the children.