BE THE CHANGEBabies and children in our community are going without life's most basic items.
Parents are forced to choose between buying soap and paying for groceries or rent.
You can give a child clothing, nappies, toiletries, infant formula and much more by donating to Big Group Hug today.
Your donation can lift a child out of hardship
Your donation will:
A grandmother's sacrifice
At 54, Sarah's life changed drastically. She became the primary caregiver for her 1-year-old grandson due to her daughters post-partum mental health struggles. With no warning, Sarah had to choose between her career and her grandson's welfare.
"My business went out the window," she admitted, but she embraced her new role with determination. However, the financial strain was immense. Sarah, surviving solely on her own income, had little for her grandson beyond a few clothes and a portacot.
Big Group Hug stepped in, providing crucial items. "Having no income, the immediate support was amazing," Sarah said gratefully. Their generosity included a cot, bedding, car seat, clothes, and toys, easing both her financial and emotional burden.
Even after 18 months, Sarah still relies on occasional support for essentials like a highchair and clothes during growth spurts. Grateful for the assistance, she donates back items to help other families in need.
Their story is a testament to the strength of kinship carers who selflessly step in to care for children in their time of need.
*Names changed to protect privacy.
A lifeline for babies like Aria
When baby Aria arrived prematurely four months ago, her mother Kylie was unprepared for the extra costs and care needed. She had nothing for Aria because Kylie had donated her son's baby things. “I was not prepared for a preemie,” she shared.
Kylie, the primary caregiver, couldn’t work and her partner’s income struggled to cover costs. Aria’s cow's milk intolerance required expensive formula. Meanwhile, three-year-old Jackson's growth spurt left him without clothes that fit.
“It wasn’t always like this,” Kylie reflected.
Kylie asked her support worker for assistance, leading her to Big Group Hug. "I never thought I would need the service," she said, grateful but saddened.
Big Group Hug provided Kylie's family with a lifeline: nappies, wipes, clothes for both children, and the costly formula Aria needed. "It's helping us get through."
*Names changed to protect privacy.
Your donation protects children from the adverse effects of disadvantage
Your tax-deductible donation goes directly towards supporting local babies and children facing hardship. Every dollar ensures disadvantaged children have access to essential items needed to thrive like clothing, toiletries, infant formula, and cots.
Without Big Group Hug, babies, children, and families in need face an even harder road ahead.
This year, we're proud to announce the opening of our new hub in Tarneit, designed to unite the community in aiding children and families in Melbourne's western corridor. This expansion is a crucial step in reaching areas with increasing needs, and your support plays a vital role in making it possible.
How to reduce your income tax with donations
Every time you donate to Big Group Hug, your generosity will truly impact a child in need. In Australia, the government encourages charitable giving by providing tax deductions for certain donations. These deductions can lower your income tax bill come tax time. To receive this deduction, your donation must be $2 or more and made to an organisation recognised by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a deductible gift recipient (DGR). Big Group Hug is a registered charity and has DGR status so your donation will be tax deductible! Use our donation form above to make your contribution and we'll send you a receipt by email for you to keep as a record of your donation. Then include your receipt as part of your tax return when you file it after 1 July.