Our Village seeks help as demand soars

LOCAL not-for-profit organisation Our Village is appealing to the community for assistance as its waitlist balloons to unprecedented levels.

The charity, formerly known as Geelong Mums, has launched its annual Festive Appeal to help raise critical funds to keep its operations running and essential items flowing to vulnerable babies and children in the community who urgently need them.

Established in 2013, the organisation works to rehome donated preloved clothes and baby essentials, such as car seats, prams and clothes, which go through extensive safety checks, are thoroughly checked for damage, cleaned and then packaged as gifts to lift up vulnerable families.

Our Village head of fundraising communications Olivia Zinzan said more than 570 families presently in need of assistance had been referred to the organisation by its network of support groups, care workers and nurses.

“Among them are mums who are expecting a baby and can’t afford a pram. Toddlers who have grown out of their clothes. Babies with no cot to sleep in,” she said.

“Last year, we had an eye-watering 9,417 requests – more than 25 requests every single day – for preloved essentials and we expect the final number for 2024 to be even bigger.”

This need, Ms Zinzan said, is growing all the time, with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis driving demand and record numbers of children requiring clothes and other essentials.

“For some parents or caregivers, the challenge to provide for their children can be relentless.

“The biggest causes of disadvantage we are seeing on requests we receive are financial hardship, single parents, asylum seekers and refugees, and parents fleeing domestic violence.”

This year, the organisation has set the ambitious target of $300,000 to raise through its Festival Appeal.

Ms Zinzan urged the community to get behind the fundraiser and give what they can to help those in need, many of whom have experienced a great deal of trauma.

“We’re calling on the community to play Santa for vulnerable Victorian children this Christmas.

“Your efforts, no matter how big or small, can bring hope and joy to those in need.

“Together, let’s spread cheer and make a lasting impact for vulnerable babies and children in our community this festive season.”

She also encouraged workplaces, schools, kinders and community groups to consider adding a festive fundraiser event to their social calendar this season to help make a meaningful difference.

“A beautifully packaged gift from Our Village doesn’t only deliver a pram, or the car seat, or the safe cot and bedding,” Ms Zinzan said.

“Each package comes with the knowledge that a whole community cares enough to put the work in to help provide what a child needs.”

For more information, head to ourvillage.org.au, or to contribute to the charity’s Festival Appeal, head to festive-appeal-2024-will-you-play-santa.raiselysite.com