Locals rise and shine at Geelong Mums breakfast

GEELONG’S corporate sector has turned out in force to support Geelong Mums at the organisation’s Rise and Shine Business Breakfast.

Last Friday’s event in the Presidents Room at GMHBA Stadium aimed to increase support for Geelong Mums to provide the best start in life for vulnerable babies and children.

Guests enjoyed sitting down and hearing from recently retired four-time AFL premiership player and the longest serving captain in AFL history, Joel Selwood, who shared insights into becoming a father, his on and off field leadership and how his life has changed since AFL retirement.

The main positive outcome of the breakfast was a multitude of companies signing up to volunteer at the Geelong Mums warehouse, which the organisation was desperately in need of.

Geelong Mums head of operations and impact Julia Roache said it was a fantastic morning of mingling and connecting for a cause.

“It was a fabulous morning with over 280 guests from Geelong’s business community coming together to support us.

“We’re hoping that all the companies who came along will get behind us and bring their teams in for a day of workplace volunteering. This will enable us to continue helping over 8,500 babies and children in the Geelong region each year.

“The ongoing support of the corporate community in Geelong is vital to our continued success in providing essential items to vulnerable babies and children across Victoria.

“As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, we are braced for further increases in demand, and we are determined to be able to respond.”

From 300 babies and children being supported in 2013, Geelong Mums has grown to support more than 8,500 vulnerable babies and children per year in the Geelong region.

Last year, the organisation distributed 23,853 much needed essential items, with an estimated secondhand value of $2.7 million.

Companies interested in workplace volunteering with Geelong Mums can register their interest at geelongmums.org