News

Students support kids in foster care with new pyjamas

By Ian Johnson

Jun 3, 2026

Students from St Mary’s Rutherglen Catholic Primary School hand over donated pyjamas to Upper Murray Family Care. L-R: Charlotte, principal Melanie Dusterhoft Maverick, Lydia (UMFC), Annabelle, foster carer Amy, Kellie (UMFC) and Polly.

Almost 45,000 children were in out-of-home care across Australia as of 2024, most of them with few belongings of their own and desperately in need of a safe and nurturing home.

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Last Friday, the children at St Mary’s Rutherglen Catholic Primary School, and their families, donated more than 80 pairs of pyjamas that will go directly to children and young people in foster care across the Rutherglen region.

School principal Melanie Dusterhoft Maverick said the students were challenged during Catholic Education Week, under the theme ‘Seek Peace and Pursue It’, to consider meaningful ways to give back to their community.

“Building on last year’s support of Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC), we were inspired to once again contribute in a way that would make a real difference,” Ms Dusterhoft Maverick said.

“This year, our Pyjama Day initiative provided the perfect opportunity to align with this mission.

“Students were invited to ‘wear a pair, donate a pair,’ and our families responded with incredible generosity; together, we collected over 80 pairs of pyjamas.

“Knowing our contribution will help bring comfort, dignity and warmth to more than 80 children is truly heartwarming.

“I am immensely proud of the compassion and kindness that shines through our community each and every day.”

Parent and foster carer, Amy, was at the school to help with the handover of pyjamas on Friday and said it was a privilege to support kids in care when they need it most.

“Having access to resources to help these kids out is so important,” Amy said.

“I’m so proud of the families at St Mary’s supporting their community and peers.”

UMFC spokesperson Jessica Blum said foster carers came from all walks of life and played a vital role providing stability, care and connection for children.

“At UMFC, we work every day to support children and young people, whether it's for a short period or longer-term care,” Jessica said.

“Right now, there are children in our region who need safe, supportive homes.

“We are lucky to have some amazing foster carers like Amy, however more carers are needed.”

UMFC encourages anyone interested in becoming a foster carer to reach out and learn more. There is support every step of the way.