Thank you for being part of our incredible family of supporters, donors and volunteers.
Never doubt the extraordinary contribution you make. Never doubt the tremendous difference you make to the most vulnerable babies, children, parents and carers.
I want to start by sharing this note - a simple message about gratitude, empowerment and the cycle of giving.
"Hey there. Two years ago your breathtaking organisation really helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life.
I was 17 years old, I'd just had a baby, I was homeless and struggling with so many problems. But the one thing I didn't have to worry about was the support and love you guys gave to us with your items.
I literally received everything I needed for myself and my baby boy. Thank you so, so much. I will never, ever forget your generosity!
I would love to give something back to you! I don't have much to offer, but I can offer my time and love, like you did for us two years ago. How do I go about volunteering?"
When we receive these messages it's so easy to see how quickly compassion can spread and inspire.
Our new Clayton HQ is open!
Great news! St Kilda Mums reopens for donations tomorrow, Wednesday 29 May. Thank you for your patience during the move to our new dream HQ at 14 Winterton Road, Clayton.
Please take care and follow directions when parking. Volunteers will be on hand to assist so you don't have to get children out of your car.
You can check opening times on our website.
You will also find detailed information on what can and can't be rehomed.
Thank you to all our supporters who helped grow St Kilda Mums from my front porch, to the double garage in Elwood. And then to Vale Street and now to our new premises in Clayton. It’s been an amazing journey that reminds me everyday how much people care for each other.
One of the most incredible things about St Kilda Mums is the power of sharing. A shout out on social media has resulted in some fantastic support for our new HQ:
- The offer of a $13,000 security system from Luke at VACSEC.
- The installation of a beautiful new laundry. This is the third laundry installed over the years by Complete Plumbing Contracting.
- A donation of professional services from GTA Consultants to provide a traffic management plan.
- A tenant's agent from JACX Property who supported negotiations with our new landlord.
- Legal advice from law firm HWL Ebsworth that meant our lease negotiations were free of charge.
The value of this support runs into the tens of thousands of dollars. And this is possible thanks to you! Because of you, these businesses do what they can to help. You inspire them. Thank you for leading the way!
Why you are the heart of our new home
Thank you for everything you do to help waste less, share more and care for every baby and child.
This year, you will help more than 5,000 babies and 15,000 children. You are amazing!
The need for our service has grown by 20% over the past year. Family violence, homelessness and the desperate poverty of asylum seekers are all reasons why more and more people need your help.
Did you know that, not only do you help St Kilda Mums, you also help inspire and support 15 sister organisations right across Australia? Your help, along with the joint forces of these organisations across the country, has provided $12 million dollars of essential nursery equipment and children's clothing to families in need. And that’s just over the past 12 months! Our collaboration with these organisations is made possible by you.
Sometimes the most precious gift is something that seems very small. It’s the breast pump for the mum with a sick newborn in hospital…
...or the handmade quilt for the seven year old girl whose parents are both in prison...
...or clothing for three little girls left homeless with nothing in the world but their school uniforms.
Sometimes the most precious gift you can give is your time. Volunteering is at the heart of everything we do.
You would be amazed at how many helping hands are involved in getting just one pram to a family.
The volunteers who collect or repair prams. The volunteers who help a social worker choose the best pram for each family. The volunteer who shows how to fold and load it into a car.
I know you’re reading this email today because you can’t bear the thought of babies going without a safe place to sleep. Or an isolated mother struggling with breastfeeding. So I want to thank you today for everything you do to care for vulnerable families.
One Mother to Another
This is Penelope and Charlotte, with mum Poppy and baby brother George. They chose beautiful toiletries and packed the bag themselves as part of our One Mother to Another appeal. Thank you to everyone who made up a special gift - and for the beautiful notes of encouragement you included.
Your gorgeous packs meant children were able to give their mum a special gift on Mother’s Day, perhaps for the first time.
Thank you from a grateful Mum
Have you ever wondered about the difference your donations make? Look no further than this feedback postcard.
This child received clothing that helped her fit in. The impact of the items you give families extends so much further than safety - it helps families feel accepted and connected. The precious gift of dignity.
Helping social workers help families
Notes like this from social workers are so inspiring:
“I’ve been helping a woman who was pregnant with her first child. She had to flee an abusive partner, but with family support she was able to find a job and somewhere to rent.
She managed her day-to-day budget, but was not able to afford what she needed for her baby.
She gave birth at 35 weeks to a small, but healthy boy. I had the pleasure of picking up goods for her from St Kilda Mums - a pram, car seat, linen and clothes.
She was at her mum’s house for a few weeks with her grandmother also coming to help. They were so appreciative of the items they received. She felt so supported by the generosity of others. Sharing this story is a way of saying thank you very much.”
Fundraising for St Kilda Mums
If you're planning to fundraise for St Kilda Mums, please read our handy fundraising toolkit and register your fundraiser here. With a letter of authority, you can approach businesses to support your event. We can provide you with marketing materials and support to help you make your event a success.
Sienna recently celebrated her Bat Mitzvah. She asked her family for donations of money and goods instead of gifts. She's in the photo above with nappies and wipes, which we always need! Thank you Sienna for your generosity.
Speaker requests
We often receive requests for guests speakers at schools, workplaces, and community clubs. Many of these requests are for me to speak, and I try to speak as often as I can.
There is also a pool of talented volunteer speakers who are happy to represent St Kilda Mums when I’m unavailable. If you would like to book a speaker please register on our website.
Coats for Kids
You can keep a child in need warm this winter. Please donate good quality children's coats, gumboots, beanies and scarves you no longer need. Because every baby and child deserves to stay warm...and of course jump in the muddiest of puddles!
Maybe you would you would like to run a collection at your workplace, school or kinder?
Print out this poster to help spread the word. Thank you!
Meet our volunteer, Greg!
Greg volunteers twice a week as a King of First Impressions. He accepts donations and serves social workers.
He was looking for a volunteer role as a way of giving back to his community.
He really enjoys helping social workers. He loves seeing them so happy about the quality of items for the families they help.
Greg says the best part about volunteering at St Kilda Mums is the people.
Annual Giving Day - Wednesday 19 June
Our third annual giving day will take place on Wednesday 19 June. This very special day brings the community together in a huge fundraising effort that will help us support thousands of families over the next 12 months.
Once again, for one day only, your donations will be matched by generous major donors.
This is a wonderful opportunity to make your support stretch as far as possible, so please keep your eye out for our emails, share our social media and help us spread the word so that we can raise record funds for families in need this June.
And remember, if you would ever like a tour to see first-hand how your support makes a difference, we would love to show you around.
I look forward to seeing you at our new Clayton HQ very soon!