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Lions in Support of CaringKids Charity

At the 2023 National Lions Multiple District Convention at the Gold Coast the ‘Lions in Support of CaringKids Charity’ project was adopted nationally from 2023-2026.

Lions Clubs across Australia will be bringing more joy to young carers by supporting this project. Lions Clubs across cities and towns are donating funds to create Joy Boxes and raise awareness of young carers.

Lions International President’s AwardThe Lions International President’s Award recognises members who go above and beyond in their service – those who lead by example, strengthen their clubs and communities, and actively support the broader goals of Lions Clubs International.

UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell

“Play is a sign that children feel safe and nurtured and loved. They feel somewhat that they can be children even in the midst of great difficulty.”

International Day of Play 11th of June 2026

International Day of Play is a time to celebrate the power of play.

We know young carers put caring ahead of play time.

Help us to reconnect young carers to the joy of childhood.

Support Our Cause

CaringKids helps children burdened with adult responsibilities. These young carers take on tasks such as housework, shopping, cooking, dealing with health professionals and even taking on financial matters.

In order to look after a family member, young carers put caring before study, school and play time. They often have to cope with the financial hardship that goes hand in hand with the cost of caring for a family member living with a disability.

There are over 235,000 children and teenagers in Australia caring for a disabled or chronically ill family member. On average they spend 6 hours a week on caring duties.

Because of their caring commitments, 22% of young carers miss a day of school per week. As a result they are around 1.5 years behind in NAPLAN.

Give to connect Joy Boxes to  young carers. Donations $2 and over are tax-deductible.

CaringKids Joy Boxes

We help to bring joy to children caring for a family member living with a disability by delivering Joy Boxes to young carers. Our Joy Boxes are packed with toys, games and books that not only bring joy, but also allow children to learn and grow.

Just a few dollars can help put a smile on a child’s face.

If you would like young carers to experience the fun and carefree moments that we associate with childhood,  a tax-deductible donation of $75 will deliver a Toy Box to a child caring for a family member.

Our Toy Boxes are delivered to the doorstep of young carers across Australia.

February 13 at 5:20pm
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Platinum Preachool Randwick shared the love today, arranging these beautiful flowers 💐 for Valentines Day, with sale proceeds donated to CaringKids!

Thank you Jo and Platinum… See more

Platinum Preachool Randwick shared the love today, arranging these beautiful flowers 💐 for Valentines Day, with sale proceeds donated to CaringKids!

Thank you Jo and Platinum Team for your endless support and kindness.

Wishing your team and all our followers a very Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️ 🌹 💘 🥰

Platinum Pre School #valentinesday

February 12 at 1:56pm
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🦁 600!!!! That’s the figure we counted yesterday – of individual donations made by Lions Clubs across Australia to the Lions CaringKids Project – totalling $280K in donations… See more
🦁 600!!!! That’s the figure we counted yesterday – of individual donations made by Lions Clubs across Australia to the Lions CaringKids Project – totalling $280K in donations since 2023. Clubs have donated not once or twice, but some clubs up to six times to ensure that young carers are recognised and supported. Our Committee have worked tirelessly to share our story at Lions Conventions across Australia and Lions and Leo’s listened – then they went back to their clubs – spoke to their club President, the Club Secretary put it on the Agenda – the members gave their approval, and their Club Treasurer made it happen. The Lions funds donated have been raised via community bbqs, trivia nights, wine auctions, cake sales, meat raffles – the list of fundraising initiatives is truly endless and staggering – Lions and Leo’s roll up their sleeves and do the hard work that needs to be done to make a difference in people’s lives and communities. In May, we will be at the Lions MD National Convention in Adelaide – we are asking for Lions vote to continue supporting this project for another 3-year term. Your support would assist us to build solid foundations for CaringKids to be sustainable in the future and to continue our work meeting the needs of young carers. Thank you Lions Australia for placing your trust in us – and thank you to the committee for being the change we need to see for young carers in Australia – so far we have supported more than 3000 young carers with their very own JOY BOX – and recognition for the endless care and love they provide their family member living with a disability or illness. We have more work to do – we will see you in Adelaide stop by our CaringKids booth – we would love to connect with your Club lions #voteforcaringkids #weserve #youngcarers #lionsaustralia #lionsclubofcooogee
February 2 at 12:31am
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👀 We are searching for a new home for our donation tap machine! Do you own a business in Sydney south east west or north – that can help us spread joy to kids carrying adult… See more
👀 We are searching for a new home for our donation tap machine! Do you own a business in Sydney south east west or north – that can help us spread joy to kids carrying adult responsibilities on their shoulders?? Let’s chat and make it happen! DM us and let’s get this machine tapping so we can help more kids by filling up our JOY BOXES with toys together! 🥊 🥊 #youngcarers #spreadthejoy #tapfortoys
January 19 at 4:17pm
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Lions District Governors and District Governor Elects were busy in training whilst their partners (most of them are Lions themselves) were hard at work at the CaringKids toy… See more
Lions District Governors and District Governor Elects were busy in training whilst their partners (most of them are Lions themselves) were hard at work at the CaringKids toy workshop.

This amazing team spent the day sorting and packing Joy Boxes for young carers, children who look after family members with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

There are over 300,000 young carers in Australia.They often miss out on the simple joy of play.

The partners packed boxes filled with toys and games to remind these kids that they are special.

Lions Australia is a CaringKids supporter, donated funds have supported over 3000 young carers to date. Thank you Lions! 🦁

#LionsAustralia #CaringKids #YoungCarers #LionsPartners #WeServe

January 19 at 1:27pm
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December 24
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⭐️ PART 3: Margaret thanks the team at @oconnorspharmacyoatley for hosting the drive and explains why it’s important to recognise and support children caring for family members… See more
⭐️ PART 3: Margaret thanks the team at @oconnorspharmacyoatley for hosting the drive and explains why it’s important to recognise and support children caring for family members living with a disability. Receiving these acts of kindness is an absolute JOY for us at CaringKids as is hearing about the conversations between donors and the care they have take ln to choose and give these beautiful and generously given toys. Thank you to all the toy donors we greatly appreciate you all and to Manar and Sharief for attending our Santa’s Little Helpers Morning Tea and hosting this toy drive in Oatley NSW ✨ #caringkids #spreadthejoy #youngcarers #joybox #lionsaustralia #youngcarer #kindnessmatters #youngcarersupport
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FAQs: Joy Box donations and referrals

View our FAQs regarding Joy Box donations, referrals and delivery.

Contact Us

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CaringKids

Caring Kids Incorporated
ABN 82 206 098 661

If you have questions about our Joy Boxes or would like more information about CaringKids, fill in the Contact Us form and we will get in touch with you soon. We welcome Joy Box feedback from children and families, share your feedback here.

Phone/Email Us

Phone: (02) 9247 7990
Email: info@caringkids.org.au

Opening Hours

Hours: By appointment

Our office is closed during school holidays.

Toy Workshop

CaringKids Toy Workshop
Unit 4/ 45-47 Green Street
Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Postal Address

CaringKids
PO Box 91
Edgecliff NSW 2027