KickStart for Kids period poverty fundraiser returns to Adelaide for 2026

In South Australia, there are still girls who do not go to school on the days they have their period. Not because they are unwell, but because they cannot afford the products they need to get through the day with dignity.

It is the unglamorous side of period poverty – and the reason KickStart for Kids has spent the past five years putting sanitary items into the hands of students who would otherwise miss out. On Friday 5 June, the charity returns to The Gallery on Waymouth for its annual fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly to that work.

A program now in its fifth year

Launched in 2021, KickStart for Kids Against Period Poverty delivers sanitary products to hundreds of primary and high schools across the state. The need has not slowed. Each year more schools join the program, and each year the conversation around period poverty in Australian schools gets slightly louder – but, as the charity points out, not loud enough.

KickStart for Kids Founder Ian Steel says the issue remains under-recognised despite its direct impact on attendance, confidence and everyday wellbeing.

‘The reality is that many girls in South Australia are still missing school because they cannot afford basic sanitary products,’ Ian says. ‘This fundraiser helps us continue supporting schools and students who need it most, while keeping the conversation going around an issue that still does not get enough attention.’

The afternoon at The Gallery

This year’s event runs from 1pm to 3pm on Friday 5 June at The Gallery on Waymouth – a Friday afternoon format that works well for friends, family or office groups looking to combine end-of-week drinks with a cause worth backing.

Guests can expect canapés, drinks, a wine wall, a silent auction and entertainment from DJ Carzi. Media personality and KickStart for Kids ambassador Bec Morse returns as emcee, with Port Adelaide AFLW player Matilda Scholz also speaking.

‘It’s #AboutBloodyTime we put a stop to period poverty in South Australia,’ Matilda says. ‘No young person should miss out on school, sport or opportunity because they cannot access the basic products they need.’

Bec Morse echoes the point. ‘Period poverty is still preventing too many young people from fully participating in school and everyday life. The work KickStart for Kids is doing in this space is incredibly important, and continued community support means the program can keep reaching more schools and more students who need it.’

How to support the fundraiser

Tickets are $100 per person and can be booked through TryBooking. Businesses interested in donating to the silent auction can contact Kate Rosman at kate@bpublicrelations.com.au.

For South Australians looking for a meaningful way to round out a working week, this is one of the more direct ones – an afternoon at The Gallery that translates straight into products in school bathrooms across the state.