Big Group Hug is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organisation founded in 2014 by mum and teacher, Angela Wood and successful business leader, Geraldine Camilleri. Based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Big Group Hug supports vulnerable and disadvantaged families in need, by providing new and pre-loved goods to help these families care for their children, aged from new born to 16-year-old.
Our core belief is that all children deserve the best start in life, so for us, the child is the focus of everything we do. Our team is made up of over 300 individuals/volunteers who are determined and committed to assisting every family who asks for help.
We work closely with and receive requests for specific and essential items through Case Workers, Maternal and Child Health Nurses or other professionals in the community. Some of the basic necessities requested range from nappies, clothes, formula, and toys to nursery furniture, prams, car seats, and more. We pride ourselves on our compassionate, quick, and responsive nature, ensuring that we do everything we can to meet these needs, and in the process, help protect every young child in Australia from the adverse effects of disadvantage.
By joining our friendly warehouse team for a day you will help sort through donations (toys, books, toiletries and other items) and prepare lovely clothes and toy packs for babies children in need.
Our warehouse is open to volunteers Monday to Thursday approx. from 9 am to 3 pm.
Our location is: 5/19 Enterprise drive Bundoora 3083.
Nil – Whilst there is no cost we would welcome both financial or material donations to assist with our cause.
Individual volunteers are welcome throughout the year. We also welcome pre-booked teams with 9 people maximum.
To register your interest in this opportunity please contact our volunteer coordinator Francesca at francesca@biggrouphug.org.
Individual volunteers are encouraged to fill in an EOI form through our website here. When prompted please mark the option “Other” and type “Workplace volunteering”.
Note: If you participate in this opportunity through CETR, then you are covered by ACU's insurances. If you access this opportunity as a volunteer outside of ACU, then you are NOT covered by ACU's insurance policies. If accessing this opportunity as a volunteer we strongly recommend you confirm with the organisation that they have appropriate insurance for volunteers.
As an ACU staff member, you can apply for up to five days each year to participate in approved community engagement activities that contribute to the common good, address social justice issues in the community, and help those experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation.
This policy has been developed to support staff to participate in community engagement activities and outlines time release arrangements during normal working hours.
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