New ‘big group hug’ aiding families

A new partnership between two charities will support struggling families in nine local government areas (LGAs) west of Melbourne, including Moorabool Shire.

‘The Sustainable Collective by Big Group Hug’ will expand upon the fantastic work of local not-for-profits Big Group Hug and the Caroline Chisholm Society, and was officially opened at the new Airport West hub.

Big Group Hug CEO, Bernadene Voss, said the collaboration would help relieve the adversity that a growing number of families in Western Victoria are facing.

“Every day we are seeing the need for essential items such as baby milk formula, cots, prams, and clothing for children increase. There are so many families facing hardship in the West right now, and sadly that will only increase,” Ms Voss aid.

“Big Group Hug is here to help alleviate the pressures these families are facing, but we need the community’s help to do that.”

The program is supported by the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria Communities Fund, which provided Big Group Hug a grant of $235,472 for “collecting and upcycling pre-loved items for children” and “distributing the items to families experiencing hardship, in Western Melbourne and surrounding areas” in Round 1 of funding.

The new hub will serve communities across the West, including Moorabool, Brimbank, Melton, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Moreland, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, and Macedon Ranges.

Special guests at the mid July launch included State Member John Kennedy MP, Federal Member Maria Vamvakinou MP, Mayor of Moonee Valley Cr Samantha Byrne, Big Group Hug recipient and domestic violence survivor Jacinta D’Angelo, and an array of local businesses and longstanding supporters of both not-for-profits.

If you or someone you know requires assistance, please reach out to your local maternal health nurse, caseworkers, social workers, family violence practitioners, or child protection practitioners and ask them to get in touch with The Sustainable Collective by Big Group Hug, by emailing [email protected]