Jordan and Bella Gee are proving that even small acts of kindness can make a big impact — especially at Easter.
The siblings, aged eight and seven, have teamed up with their mum Sheree Gee to collect chocolate donations for children living in care across south-west Victoria.
Ms Gee, who works in Brophy Family and Youth Services’ home-based care team, said Easter could be a tough time for children separated from their families.
“Kids in care already feel different enough — the last thing we want is for them to miss out on something as simple as an Easter egg,” she said.
“Easter can be bittersweet when you’re not with your family, so any support from the community goes a long way.”
The annual chocolate drive is now open, with donations being accepted at Brophy’s office at 210 Timor Street, Warrnambool, until the evening before Good Friday.
Ms Gee said the current cost-of-living pressures make this year’s drive more important than ever.
“Foster and kinship carers in Victoria are the lowest paid in the country,” she said.
“They do an incredible job looking after children, often at great personal expense. Between birthdays, school, sports, and everyday life, raising kids is costly — and special occasions like Easter just add to that.”
She said donating an Easter egg was a simple, meaningful way to support children in care — even for those who aren’t in a position to become carers themselves.
“A lot of people want to help but can’t commit to fostering, and that’s completely okay,” Ms Gee said.
“This is a small, tangible way to make a real difference.”
All chocolate donations will go directly to children in care, helping to free up funds for important supports like therapy and wellbeing programs.