Geelong Mums call for donations to Christmas appeal

SUPPORT babies and children across the region this December by donating money and pre-loved items to the Geelong Mums Christmas Appeal.

For the past month, the giving appeal has called on the community to donate essential nursing equipment, toys, clothing and books to give to babies and children so they can have a fruitful start to their lives.

Setting a goal of $75,000 at the start of the campaign in November, the organisation is just under half way to their monetary aspirations and have reminded the community that there is still time to help others in need.

“We’ve seen a 25 per cent increase in the number of people turning to us for help,” Geelong Mums partnerships and events co-ordinator, Kelly Suvoltos said.

“The cost of living will only exacerbate that further, so we certainly need as much as we can get to keep doing what we are doing.

“Items for babies and children are high on our list: essentials such as cots, prams, car seats, toiletries and nappies and wipes.

“Our aim is to get to $75,000; it’s been a bit slow so far, it’s starting to put the pressure on.”

As many as 800 volunteers work behind the scenes at Geelong Mums to put together packages of items that will be rehomed to members of the Geelong community with babies and younger children.

The Geelong Mums group have extended their gratitude to those that have donated so far, and hope the community will continue to support the Christmas Appeal into the new year.

The appeal is open to individuals and businesses who can get involved with the cause in various ways including hosting an alternative Kris Kringle event or Christmas party or by challenging themselves to give up something for a week such as coffee.

Donations can be made at geelongmums.org/pages/christmas-appeal-2022