We are excited to announce Stephanie Hinrichs from Care Kits for Kids as your 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Carindale!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Stephanie Hinrichs at Care Kits for Kids to continue to grow their impact in the local community.

The 2024 Westfield Local Heroes program will award 125 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $AUD1.24 million to support local communities.

Your 2024 Westfield Carindale Local Hero is:

Stephanie Hinrichs

Care Kits for Kids Qld Inc
Dedicated. Proactive. Inspirational.

Stephanie Hinrichs is dedicated to helping children in crisis, one care kit at a time.

As the co-founder and secretary of Care Kits for Kids QLD, Stephanie helps restore dignity to children in care or crisis. Often, these children leave dangerous situations owning nothing but the clothes on their backs. Stephanie ensures they feel supported and dignified by providing them with a new backpack containing essential items such as clothing, toiletries, toys and education supplies.

In 2023, Stephanie and her team of over 100 volunteers distributed roughly 3,700 care kits. Since launching CKKQ in 2018, over 10,000 children have received care kits.

"I had to help," Stephanie says. "As a former teacher with a sewing hobby, I used my skills to build Care Kits to be the change in the community. Together, we make a difference."

Stephanie’s role includes managing social media, organising donation points, writing grants and facilitating business partnerships. In short, she does everything possible to ensure the charity can continue its vital work. Her dedication and proactive approach have garnered numerous awards and recognitions for the organisation.

Stephanie's commitment to Care Kits for Kids Qld has been pivotal in providing essential support to children in need.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Carindale Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. Care Kits for Kids QLD will use the grant to provide 2,000 filled backpacks to children in care or crisis.

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We'd like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5K grant for the organisation they represent.

Emma Gray from The Nurtured Village Hampers

Emma Gray, founder of The Nurtured Village Hampers, is dedicated to improving maternal mental health. Inspired by the support she received after her first daughter's birth, Emma started a kindness initiative in 2019, which has since grown into a nationwide charity. Last year, the charity delivered over 14,000 donations to 160 families in 21 communities.

Julie-Ann Smith from Foodbank Queensland

Julie-Ann Smith has volunteered with Foodbank Queensland for over six years, packing and sorting donations to combat food insecurity. Her dedication ensures food reaches those in need through local charities and school breakfast programs. During COVID-19, she supported fellow volunteers, maintaining social connections and support during the challenging time.

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If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 13 11 14

Recognising all our 2024 nominees

View all of the Westfield Carindale nominees and their organisations.