Hundreds of vulnerable children in Lismore and northern NSW are being supported during their most challenging time thanks to an award-winning care initiative.

The Smiley Suitcases Project, run by the Rotary Club of Lismore Networking, ensures that no child entering the care system does so empty-handed.

Instead, backpacks and mini suitcases are filled with essential clothing, books, and toys and dropped off to leading child welfare charity CASPA, to distribute as needed.

The bags are packed with age-appropriate and gender-specific items and provide relief and security to children during tough times.

(Project Coordinator Maureen Williams and Co-President of Rotary Club of Lismore Networking Sonja Dorey)

Rotary Club of Lismore Networking recently won the Best New Project Award for their work, at the Northern New South Wales and Southeast Queensland Rotary District Awards Ceremony on the Gold Coast.

Every year, hundreds of vulnerable children across Australia are placed in either emergency care or foster care.

CASPA CEO Naarah Rodwell said often, there is no time for them to pack personal possessions or beloved items.

“That means no favourite teddy, no doll, soccer ball or warm jumper during a time when everything is already unfamiliar and scary,” she said.

“The work Rotary Lismore Networking does is vital. By donating these bags to us, we can help make this transition into the care system a little bit easier and inject some positivity into difficult circumstances.

"We deeply appreciate the group’s ongoing commitment to CASPA, children in out-of-home care, and their carers.

“Their generosity truly makes a profound difference in these young lives, and the Smiley Suitcases Project is a testament to the power of community support and compassion."

Co-President of Rotary Club of Lismore Networking Sonja Dorey said she hoped the award would help highlight the importance of Smiley Suitcases.

“Collaborating with CASPA to deliver these backpacks is fantastic,” she said.

“It pulls at your heart to know that children go into emergency foster care with absolutely nothing. By giving them a Smiley Suitcase we hope that we make them feel a little bit more positive.

“The feedback we’ve had is that the kids are very excited when they open the bags, which is really lovely to hear.”

Smiley Suitcases has been running for almost two years and is made possible through fundraising events, which pay for the bags and essential items.

The next fundraiser is a ‘Boot Scootin’ at the Bowlo’ event on Saturday 14 September, at Lismore City Bowling Club, 6.30pm.

Tickets are $50 at www.trybooking.com/CTULM.