Our Village Charity Calling Out For Corporate Helpers

Our Village (formerly St Kilda Mums/Geelong Mums/Eureka Mums) is calling for businesses and companies to get into the Christmas spirit this year and sign up for volunteer shifts to help at the charity’s warehouses, or to make a financial donation to keep the charity’s operations running.

Our Village provides vital services by rehoming essential items for babies and children in need across Victoria. With the continuing rise in the cost of living, demand is higher than ever as families struggle, even those who have never before experienced financial pressure.

In the last 12 months, there have been 600 more requests for assistance than the previous 12 months. Christmas is the busiest time of the year, so extra helpers are needed to meet the challenge.

Victorian businesses, from SMBs to large corporates can help by giving their time to assist in fixing and cleaning essential items such as prams, car seats and high chairs, sorting and packing clothes, toys and books or preparing special toiletry packs for carers and babies.

Volunteering for Our Village is the ultimate team-building experience with a huge feel-good factor, so businesses could consider an alternate festive season celebration or activity.

If unable to provide time, companies could make a monetary donation to help keep the vital charity alive. Maybe Kris Kringle could look a bit different this year, with donations to Our Village instead?

CEO Ruth Holdaway MBE says the charity needs many more corporate volunteer groups to help this Christmas. “We are calling for businesses and companies to sign up and come and help out in our warehouse.

“Christmas is one of our busiest times of the year and we are asking for our own ‘Santa’s helpers’ to assist us in getting pre-loved items received from the generous community ready for distribution to families who need them most.

“We are hoping that we can fill all of our corporate volunteering shifts until Christmas so vulnerable Victorian babies and children can have the essentials they need.”

Businesses taking part in volunteering pay $100 (plus GST) per person, with a minimum spend of $1000 (plus GST) per workplace. This charge covers the cost of trained staff to guide them through the day to help them get the most out of the volunteering experience and anything additional goes towards rehoming essentials.

Our Village does not receive any government funding which means they rely on the community to continue supporting babies and children in need. This year, Victorian businesses have the chance to bring young families some much needed relief during the festive season.

Our Village Volunteering Locations:

• Melbourne Warehouse, Clayton

○      Teams of 5-30 people

○      Monday-Friday, 9.30am-4pm

• Geelong Warehouse

○      Teams of up to 15

○      Monday-Friday, 9.30am-2.30pm

Further information and sign-ups for volunteering via the website: https://www.ourvillage.org.au/volunteer/

https://www.ourvillage.org.au/