Toorak branch of Save the Children supports Mooroopna Kindergarten through floods

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, with the Save the Children kindergarten at Mooroopna having long been a focus for fundraising and passionate support by the branch.

The kindergarten is seen as a safe place for children from diverse backgrounds, and has a strong connection to the First Nations community, known as a place which makes generational change, and which gives children a solid foundation for future learning. 

Unfortunately the kindergarten was significantly damaged in the November floods, with “little other than the internal frames” left standing. As such, and based on their long standing connection to the kindergarten, the Toorak Branch of Save the Children dedicated their Christmas fundraising event to the rebuilding project. 

Branch President Margot Melzak had all 80 guests vying for items in a very spirited silent auction, along with a raffle with auction items 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 handcrafted cards. The event raised substantial funds to give the re-building of the Mooroopna Kindergarten a very healthy kick start.

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. Mr Joachim attended the kindergarten himself in 1970 and now continues to work for the rights of children and the benefits early childhood education can provide.

He 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. 

The kindergarten sent a message of thanks on behalf of all the children and families who will benefit from the fundraising, sending “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”.