Hi

With just a couple of days left before we close our doors in 2019, I need to ask for your help again. 

This month we've been asked to provide nursery equipment to more than 500 babies and children.

Last week the story of one of these families stopped me in my tracks. It’s one of the saddest stories I’ve heard this year. 

We have been asked to help a mum who suffers from a brain injury as a result of domestic violence. Two of her children have experienced violence at the hands of their father and the eldest now suffers from anxiety and depression. 

This mum was pregnant when she managed to escape with her children, and they have been rebuilding their lives ever since. 

She felt completely unprepared last week when the baby arrived three weeks early. 

When this Mum’s social worker got in touch with us, she asked for a long list of 31 items. On average, we provide three items per child so we knew this case was one of desperate need.

She needs "the whole kit and caboodle" - a car seat, pram, nappies, a nappy bag, clothes, linen, the list goes on. All things a baby can’t be without. 

Amongst all the items this mum needs is a safe place for her new baby to sleep when they come home from the hospital. 

They also asked if we can help her other children with some clothes, shoes and a toy pack each to brighten up their Christmas.

We need to help this family before their newborn arrives home from hospital this week. 

Every bit of support we receive at Geelong Mums holds us up and enables us to help families in urgent need. 

Our amazing family of volunteers give their time and passion across every area of our work.  

Our generous community give their pre-loved items, knowing they will be gratefully received and used in the home of a family in need. 

And our incredibly kind financial donors understand we must purchase some items brand new and pay for a roof over our heads so we can reach the families who need us.

The best way to help us now, so we can help families this week and as soon as we reopen our doors in January, is by donating to our Christmas appeal. 

When you donate, you can leave a message of support for a family in crisis. A message similar to this that we passed on to a family last week: 

"You may feel as though you are alone but there are many others thinking of you and wishing you a safe and healthy Christmas"

You can also request a gift certificate if you are making your donation in lieu of a Christmas gift for a loved one.

Your support throughout 2019 has been absolutely amazing. 

Please help in these last critical hours of service in 2019 by donating to our appeal.  

Warm regards, 
Julia

Julia Roache
General Manager
0417 032 825
[email protected]

PS - there are lots of different and easy ways to make a donation. You can use a credit card using this link.

You can also transfer directly to our bank account via EFT - 

Westpac BSB 033 344 Acc 281 388

Or post a cheque made out to Geelong Mums to PO Box 8203
Newtown VIC 3220