“This reminds them that good things can happen in their lives. We have a really diverse group of young people – not just in foster care and kinship, but also residential care – who deal with a lot of things day-to-day. To be able to give them a chance to feel like they’re part of something that their friends at school get to do regularly, it’s really special. It makes them feel like they’re included,” Porras said.

“This might be the best thing that happens to them for a long time.”

Jasmine Isaacs, a 31-year-old Melbourne Swiftie, was one of the generous donors. She sent the children bejewelled Eras Tour tote bags filled with merch and other items they could use when getting ready for the concert.

As someone who grew up in care herself, Isaacs understood what sort of impact these types of donations can have.

“In general, we need more generosity for kids in care,” she said. “It’s the little things like this that you connect over which can make all the difference.”

Porras said those between the age of 16 and 18 do not generally receive as many donations as younger children within the system, so receiving the opportunity to watch the world’s biggest pop star perform live could significantly boost their sense of inclusion.

After receiving the donated tickets, Porras said she messaged the foster and kinship care program managers asking them to encourage any Swifties to write down why they wanted to go to the Eras Tour. She then randomly selected nine children from across the system, bar one child whom Porras chose specifically.

“There was one super Taylor fan. They could name all the albums and explained how her music inspires them get through really tough times,” Porras said. “Their birthday is also this month, so it was perfect.”

With the help of Ticketek customer support, the donated tickets – which span all three Melbourne shows – have been re-issued either directly to the child’s Ticketek account, or to the account of the child’s carer.

As potentially life-changing as the tickets are, Porras said the donated gifts also have a wide-reaching impact. Those within state care who did not get a ticket could also get into the Swift spirit by using one of the Eras Tour tote bags, or wearing a few of the homemade friendship bracelets.

“There are certain hardships that come with having a care experience. It’s been really great to see fans acknowledge that and give this kind of support to the kids,” Porras said.

Loading

“One group has been volunteering around the clock, not just to help young people in care, but also to connect about 300 people who haven’t managed to get tickets because of the experience with [Ticketek] Marketplace. I can’t speak highly enough of this group of people.”

“Swifties feel connected to the music in a way that makes you feel part of a community, which also makes you feel seen,” Isaacs said. “It’s a really beautiful thing. Most Swifties know what it’s like to be young, or a girl going through emotional experiences. We just want people to tell us we’re not alone.”

The competition for Eras Tour tickets remains fierce, but Porras said the ability to search for tickets is in itself a privilege.

“It’s a privilege to be able to log on and purchase things yourself,” she said. “People were stressed about this experience, they were waiting hours and hours online. I could only imagine what it would be like for our kids in care to have such a difficult time trying to get tickets. Then again, our kids actually wouldn’t have even logged on to do it because they have so many things to deal with.”

Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday.