Community Fund Spotlight – Big Group Hug

With over 350 volunteers, Big Group Hug is helping vulnerable children and families.

The charity turns 10 in 2024 and, in 2023, helped 6002 children by providing 120,000 items to assist families.

Bernadene Voss, CEO of Big Group Hug, said the Westbrook Community Fund grant will…

“We rely on community support, that’s what mobilises us,” Bernadene said.

“The $1,500 from the Westbrook Community Fund will go towards purchasing toiletries for teens when families have to flee a situation such as domestic violence.”

“The cost of living is skyrocketing and it’s very hard now to find, you know, a bottle of shampoo under $10.00.”

“For teens in these situations, their identity is being challenged and they want to be like everyone else, which makes toiletries quite an important part component of that,” Bernadene said

“Volunteers are critical in helping us support more families and children in need. It’s been wonderful to see our volunteer numbers increase along with our geographical reach.

“With the recent opening of Tarneit in the west we are seeking more volunteers in that region.”

Looking forward, the next 10 years are about helping more children and how they make that happen.

“A key priority for us is making sure every child gets the items that they need, the urgent and essential items that they absolutely need.”

“We’re looking strategically at which locations might benefit from our presence and where there aren’t any services for children at the moment.”

 

Support Big Group Hug

Big Group Hug will accept donated items that help young families, such as new toiletries or bed linen.

Volunteering positions are available. Visit the Big Group Hug SEEK Volunteer page to find the latest openings.

Looking for another way to contribute? Find it here.