Business breakfast to address volunteer shortage

LOCAL not-for-profit Geelong Mums is seeing a 25 per cent increase in demand for its services, but a lack of volunteers will be the focus of this year’s Business Breakfast. The South Geelong-based organisation is bringing together the local corporate sector at the Geelong Mums Rise and Shine Business Breakfast to support babies and children waiting for essential nursery equipment.

Geelong Mums head of operations and impact Julia Roache is aware the past two years have been a major contributing factor in the recent decline of volunteers.

“We have seen a 25 per cent uptake in demand for our service, but a big reduction in volunteering thanks to the pandemic,” she said.

“As the cost of living crisis deepens, we are braced for further increases in demand, and we are determined to be able to respond. “To do so, we need urgent help to meet this increase in demand for our service.”

The breakfast will take place on October 13 in the Presidents Room at GMHBA Stadium, providing an opportunity for local businesses to network and support Geelong Mums programs. Guests will also hear from Nicole Livingstone – a former Olympian, media personality and highly regarded executive within the sporting industry as the AFLW’s Head of Football.

“We’re very excited to be holding this important fundraising event and providing the Geelong business community with a greater insight into the work we do,” Ms Roache said.

“We need their help to support all children to thrive.”

The 2021 Census found there are about 76,000 children up to the age of six are living in poverty in Victoria. Geelong Mums is presently reaching 24 per cent of these children with essential items.

Tickets are $85 each, with tables seating 10 on sale at geelongmums.org/pages/rise-and-shine