We are pleased to update you with some inspiring news…we have now supported our 3,000th family! From humbles beginnings operating out of our own homes three years ago, to now supporting thousands of families, we simply could not have done this without your support.
Every day we hear about how your support is making a difference for families in need. Please read on to find out how we continue to make an impact in our community.
Thank you!
Geelong Mums supports 3,000 families
As we recognise and thank everyone who has supported Geelong Mums to reach the milestone of supporting 3,000 families, we know that there is so much more to do. In just the last three months, Geelong Mums has supported 523 families and 1,327 children with more than 2,000 items.
Thanks to you we can continue to respond to rising requests for support for local families, whether that might be a cot or a car seat – or clothing when a growth spurt happens…we are so thankful for your support so we can continue to support children who need us most.
Can you help a baby sleep safely?
Our Tots for Cots campaign is currently underway and we’ve already received 20 wonderful preloved cots to rehome to families in need. Hear from Rita from Salvo Connect about why cots are so important.
If you don’t have a cot to donate, you might like to donate financially to support Geelong Mums to purchase a new cot. Last year 179 babies slept safely with cots rehomed from Geelong Mums.
The story of Max and Lisa – grandparents who became ‘mum & dad’
Max and Lisa with just minutes notice, became ‘mum and dad’ for their three young grandchildren.
For Max and Lisa their future changed suddenly and irrevocably when they found themselves permanently caring for their three grandchildren aged 8, 4 and 2. Their daughter had started out as a great mum, houseproud and in love with her kids. But an addiction to the drug ice changed everything. ‘They literally arrived with just the clothes on their back,’ says Max, ‘they had no shoes, no toys, no beds, no nappies- nothing.’
Geelong Mums furnished the family with a new cot and bedding, a car seat, highchair, a walker, wipes, nappies, and toys and clothes for all three children.
‘We had so many new expenses,’ said Lisa. ‘Even food – we had snacks for when the kids would visit on the weekend, but we didn’t have food to feed three kids day in day out. Geelong Mums even helped with baby formula which was so good because it is very expensive. If it wasn’t for Geelong Mums we would have had to make a choice between feeding the kids and getting them proper beds.’
Be inspired!
Be inspired at the Inspire Geelong Breakfast with guest speaker Peta Credlin on Friday, 11 November. We are thrilled to be alongside Anam Cara Geelong as beneficiaries of the annual breakfast thanks to the wonderful Sacred Heart College Geelong Alumni Association. Get your tickets from Sacred Heart NOW to avoid missing out… tickets are selling very fast!
Volunteer with your workmates
Have you thought about getting your workmates together for a session of volunteering? We welcome corporate volunteers and accommodate groups every week. To book or find out more email Geelong Mums Operations Coordinator Solee Robertson.
Announcing our first Social Services Coordinator
We are delighted to announce Kristina McMennemin as our new Social Services Coordinator. Kris is responsible for managing requests from caseworkers and maternal and child health nurses. Kris brings with her extensive experience in the local government and private sectors, working regularly with diverse communities.
When can I donate?
Here’s when we are opening to receive donations in Term 4. Please remember to read our ‘what we can rehome’ list, as it has been updated recently. Our address is 2/110 Balliang Street, South Geelong.