The South Australian Children's Patriotic Fund was established in September 1915, under the honorary organisation of Miss Adelaide Meithke, in response to the individual efforts of teachers across the state, who from the outbreak of the war had begun gathering donations for the benefit of Australian soldiers and various relief organisations. The Director of Education MM Maughan suggested that by combining the efforts of individual schools and teachers, a greater result without duplication of effort could be achieved.

In just over two years the children of South Australia, through a great range of activities, contributed over twelve thousand pounds ( 12,000) that was distributed to organisations including Cheer-up Huts, repatriation funds, hospitals, trench comforts, and the Red Cross.

The Society was reformed in 1939 as the South Australian Schools Patriotic Fund, and Adelaide Meiethke was invited to resume her activities with the new organisation. Work included raising funds, performing tasks of public service, salvaging waste products and knitting for the Forces. The total sum raised during these years was 400,000.