Geelong Mums needs your help this Christmas

GEELONG Mums is asking for people to support vulnerable babies and children by making a donation to their Christmas appeal.

This year’s coronavirus pandemic has brought many challenges for the Geelong-based charity and the families they assist.

The charity, founded in 2013 by five local mums, managed to keep their doors open throughout lockdown and kept up with the overwhelming number of families turning to them for help.

Since the start of the pandemic, at least 42 per cent of families supported by Geelong Mums have been negatively affected by COVID-19.

Job loss, homelessness and an increase in domestic violence are just a few of the causes of disadvantage these families are dealing with right now.

“For many families, this time of year is tough in a ‘normal’ year,” Geelong Mums general manager Julia Roache said. “2020 has thrown even more obstacles into the mix which will make this  Christmas harder than usual.”

Making a monetary donation that will provide essential nursery equipment, will bring so much relief to families in crisis at this time of year. Sadly, it may be the only gift they receive”.

This Christmas, Geelong Mums is asking the community to make a donation that will pay for a specific item and to leave a message of support for a family:

• $30 will keep a baby snug and safe with cosy bedding
• $56 will provide a clothing bundle for a baby or child with more than 100 items to last them a year
• $134 is the magic number – the average cost per child to help more than 20,000 babies and children in Victoria this year
• $187 will provide a cot and mattress – a safe place for a baby to sleep, dream and play
• $1,000 for “The Whole Kit & Caboodle” – provide a family with all the material essentials they need for their young child.

“We know so many people are doing it tough this year. Any donation amount will go a long way in helping to ensure no family misses out this Christmas”, Ms Roache said.

Geelong Mums does not receive any ongoing government funding, and relies on the community to continue supporting families in need.

With material aid donations, financial support, incredible volunteer contribution, and a lot of hard work, Geelong Mums provides everything a family needs to welcome their baby home from the hospital for an average cost of $134. This could include a cot, pram, car seat, bouncer, breast pump, change mat, toiletries, nappies wipes, clothing and linen, books, toys and many other essentials from an extensive list of 65 items.

For more information or to donate, head to geelongmums.org.