News from Our Village to you.

Hi Friend!

We don’t mean to alarm you, but did you know there are only 61 sleeps until Christmas Day! 😱 If that makes you a little panicky (Gift lists? Visitors? Dinner plans? Eeeek!) don’t worry – there’s a lot going on here too! The warehouse is filling up with pre-loved items generously donated by our community and our Volunteers are working hard to check, clean and pack the hundreds of orders we’re receiving every week, ready for these goods to be re-loved by other babies and children. 

One of those orders stood out to the team as extra special. Today we are preparing an order for a mum who will be extra busy this Christmas because she is expecting triplets – due any day now! 👶👶👶

Medical complications and social isolation have meant that this mum is in desperate need of clothes for her new arrivals. Our Volunteers have made three beautiful clothing bundles for them, two girls and one boy! These bundles are bursting with enough clothes to take these newborn triplets to their first birthday.

Without your support, we simply wouldn't be able to help this mum or the thousands of other babies and children that desperately need us. 

THANK YOU for being such an important part of Our Village! 💚

Look what happens because of YOUR support…

We’re so touched to receive messages like the one below, which show the incredible impact of your generosity on the families we support. 

Donation Spotlight

Members from Torquay Rotary dropped off a donation of beautiful knitted blankets. Squares knitted from members across many Rotary clubs were collected and joined together for a donation made with love. Thank you for helping keep babies and children warm! 

It’s not election time but we need your votes!

Great news! Our Village was awarded a $5,000 Community Grant from Transurban! The even better news? We are now also in the running for the Transurban People’s Choice Award!

This year, two organisations in each State will receive extra funding based on the number of community votes received. And the first prize is $10,000!

$10,000 right now would make a huge difference in helping us get pre-loved essentials out of the warehouse and into the homes of families that are in desperate need. With Christmas just around the corner – times are even more tough than normal.

Here’s where you can help! We need YOU, our community, to please vote for Our Village! Simply click the button below and pick “Our Village” in the Victoria section. 

We would love you to also spread the word to your friends and family – share the link with them and get them voting too! Thank you so much and fingers crossed we win!

Volunteer spotlight - Meet Gail! 💚

How did you first hear about Our Village, and what inspired you to get involved? 

I first heard about Our Village (then called Geelong Mums) some years ago when the Geelong CWA was invited to cater for a special morning tea during Volunteer’s Week. Just the fact that the team leaders valued their volunteers enough to organise something special for them impressed me. Whilst there I was able to observe the organisation in action. As a former Administrator, I was so impressed. The organisation was clearly very well run but exemplary in the way they treated their volunteer workers as well as the special respect they gave their clients – families in need.

Do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about?

My life has changed significantly over the past few months, and I intend to keep busy by picking up old interests such as attendance at art galleries, concerts and movies. I am an avid reader, and … I might even get the old golf clubs out (but I’m woeful)!!

What keeps you coming back to Our Village to volunteer?

Our Village is certainly unique. Respect is a fundamental part of the Our Village ethos. Firstly, unique in the way they care for their clients. Every item, whether it be clothing or equipment is of the highest standard, prepared with love and presented as a gift for a respected member of our community.

The respect flows through to the volunteers. A warm, friendly, supportive environment reinforces your feeling of being a valued member of the team. 

The whole organisation is very well managed, communication is excellent and safety is a major focus. Somehow, the team leaders achieve this in a fun filled environment. That takes a lot of commitment and hard work to achieve – impressive.

You can see why I keep coming back. I have been a part of the team for over 3 years, and it has been a delight. The flexibility the volunteers are offered is also unique. Not having to be tied to a certain day or time but merely to come when you are able to is wonderful. Talk about feeling valued! I am especially grateful to the leaders and fellow volunteers for the love and support they have given me over the past few months.

Don’t take Gail's word for it, experience it yourself! Click here to sign up and volunteer with us!

The Silly Season is nearly here! Here are a couple of ideas to make a special impact before Christmas.

Volunteers from the Future Leadership team rolled up their sleeves recently at our Clayton warehouse!

Corporate Volunteering: bring Christmas joy to kids in need with a bit of hard work and elbow grease!

This Christmas, Our Village invites your workplace, team or department to come into our warehouse and help us get essential items ready for babies and children in need. You will have a great day away from the office, working with our warehouse staff to sort, clean, check and pack essential items like prams, car seats, clothing and toys. 

For more information, please visit our webpage all about Corporate Volunteering or email our team – [email protected] 

Community Fundraising: Be the host with the most! 

Hold your own Festive Fundraiser – maybe a festive morning tea with work colleagues, a street BBQ with your neighbours or a bake sale with your local community club or school? Or choose something more up your alley – it's up to you! 

Raise vital funds while having a great time! Sounds like a no-brainer to us!

Getting started is easy – check out our Fundraising Hub or get in touch and we can help your fundraising ideas come to life.

Email us [email protected] or call for a chat on 1300 789 509.

Donation Spotlight

A wonderful donation came in from India, who brought us a big box of stationery. For her recent 11th birthday, instead of asking for gifts, she invited her friends to donate stationery and craft supplies to Our Village, choosing items close to her heart, because creativity is her passion. What a thoughtful and generous way to celebrate. Thank you, India, for sharing your special day with others!

Thank you for your ongoing support for babies and children, we truly appreciate you being a vital part of Our Village.

And so far this month, 47 babies are sleeping safely, 73 children are travelling in safety-approved car restraints, 699 little ones have received a beautifully packed bundle of quality pre-loved clothes and so much more. This is all because of the generosity of supporters like you – on behalf of every family we've been able to help this year, thank you.

Remember – only 61 sleeps till Christmas 😱 so keep an eye on your inbox and our socials for the launch of our Festive Appeal – coming soon! 

Thank you – we simply couldn't do what we do, without you!

The Our Village Team

P.S. Don’t forget to vote for the Transurban People’s Choice Award and help us win $10,000! We need all of Our Village to get involved and VOTE!