Children in need: Geelong Mums ask community for help

GEELONG Mums is urging the local community to dig deep this Christmas to help the non-profit organisation support the more than 500 in need families currently on its waitlist.

For the past 10 years, Geelong Mums has been helping vulnerable families give their babies and children the best start possible in life by supplying them with essentials including clothing, toys and equipment.

The organisation receives requests for help from maternal and child health nurses and social workers on behalf of new parents and families facing hardship.

With its more than 1,4000 volunteers, Geelong Mums work to fulfil these requests, putting together bundles of items which are then delivered to families by social workers.

These bundles are comprised of items that are either new or pre-loved donations from the community.

Geelong Mums chief executive officer Ruth Holdaway said the organisation had seen a 27 per cent increase in requests for support compared to this time last year.

“Whilst many of us will be enjoying the celebrations this time of year, the next few weeks will look bleak for the numerous Victorian families currently struggling just to afford basic essentials.

“We are seeing people who’ve never needed our help, need us desperately now.”

Of the 515 requests Geelong Mums is trying to fill in the lead up to Christmas, almost 200 are new parents in need of a pram.

Another 100 families require mattresses and cots to ensure their newborns have a safe place to sleep, while a further 150 are in need of a car seat.

“That’s over 1,500 babies and children needing essentials now and this will only increase over the next few weeks,” Ms Holdaway said.

“We’re extremely grateful to the many supporters we have in the Geelong and wider community.

“If people are able to make a financial donation to Geelong Mums, this will enable us to bring relief to these families in need.”

This year Geelong Mums are hoping to raise $250,000 across the organisation as part of its festival appeal.

Every donation will contribute to helping babies and children in need and reducing the number of families currently waiting for support.

Geelong Mums does not receive ongoing government funding and relies on the generosity of the community to continue supporting vulnerable families.

To donate, head to geelongmums.org