Big Group Hug in Bundoora, Victoria | Non-profit organisation

Big Group Hug

Locality: Bundoora, Victoria

Address: 5/19 Enterprise Drive 3083 Bundoora, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.biggrouphug.org

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• Non-profit organisation
• Charitable organisation

25.01.2022 CAMPHUG is just around the corner..... What are we raising money for? Just this week we assisted a family who found themselves suddenly homeless after a house fire destroyed their home and all of their belongings. This family of 11 must now find refuge and rebuild their lives. Luckily we were able to provide all the material goods needed by the children. ... Camping out this September will allow us to continue to help families when they are at their most vulnerable. How can you help? Camp out with your kids to help raise awareness of the issues around child poverty, encourage them to sleep just a little rough to raise money for those who live the reality of homelessness and trauma every day. So, what are you waiting for? Do it on your own, in your family or as a school team Sign up with your mates and make it a Virtual Sleepover sharing the night on HouseParty, Zoom or old fashioned phone calls! Register at https://camp-hug.raisely.com SoWhere will you camp? #BGHcamphug

25.01.2022 Any plans for Friday night? We are pretty sure the answer to that is a big "NO" so why dont you beat the COVID blues and join in on a game of Locked Down Trivia and help raise money for Big Group Hug at the same time. Lots of family fun to be had across the whole of Australia.... Heres a run down of what to expect on Friday * 5 rounds of trivia + 1 bonus round (fastest response wins) * Iso-skills segment (cocktail-making demonstration this week) * Best-dressed competition (Westerns this week) * Lego Masters competition (theme announced at the start of the night) You can form teams across multiple houses every house will need to register to play via the Zoom link and people then chat amongst their teams via side channels (WhatsApp or messenger or whatever). You can then just nominate one team captain to submit your answer form each round. It will run from 8pm 9.30pm Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZ0rceyqqjotH9Uy9qONM5GRWud8orEGS Donation link: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/lockeddowntrivia16 PLEASE SHARE and join in the fun. Make sure you choose Big Group Hug to make a donation to ;-)

25.01.2022 The night has come for lots of little and big people to camp out in their backyards or home to support Big Group Hugs CampHug. Check out these amazing campers. Its not too late to join in on the fun or to make a donation https://camp-hug.raisely.com/t/big-group-hug... #bghcamphug #BIGGROUPHUG

24.01.2022 Mary is participating in our Reverse Advent Calendar campaign this year, not just to help disadvantaged children, but to help teach her children about the importance of helping those less fortunate. "Growing up in America, every Christmas, my mother and her siblings would receive parcels from the Red Cross. In these would be some items of clothing, new shoes and small toys or puzzles. She loved waiting for the first snow of Christmas and her Red Cross parcel, it was very spe...cial to her. Her memories resonated in me and helped me understand that we were living in a privileged place and that my childhood was very different to my mother's. I was fortunate to never require the generosity of others, as is the case for my own children. I have told my children the story of my mother's Red Cross packages and how special they made her Christmas every year. I see the work that many charities do at Christmas, especially the Reverse Advent Calendar by BGH as hopefully they bring joy to others at Christmas. I hope that my children learn to appreciate their good fortune and do what they can to bring some joy to others not as fortunate, not only at Christmas but whenever possible. Christmas is a time for giving, and receiving, but most times the giving feels so much better than the receiving." Thank you, Mary, for sharing such a beautiful sentiment and for supporting our campaign to ensure no child goes without what they need to feel safe and comfortable. #BGHreverseadvent #FeelGoodFriday #givingisbetterthanreceiving

24.01.2022 Such a great idea. We would love if you consider donating to us but equally would love you to hand one of these to anyone in need xx https://apple.news/A9kKy8ASQS2i7uzfn600oAw

23.01.2022 Did you know we assist lots of Dads who are doing it tough to support their kids? Dads like Joel. Joel, a single father of 3, living in transitional housing came to us for help to clothe his gorgeous three children, children experiencing trauma no child should ever have to face. Joel and the kids are not only experiencing homelessness but they are trying to pick up the pieces after their beloved wife and Mum took her own life. ... How can you help? Camp out with your kids to help raise awareness of the issues around child poverty, encourage them to sleep just a little rough to raise money for those who live the reality of homelessness and trauma every day. So, what are you waiting for? Do it on your own, in your family or as a school team Sign up with your mates and make it a Virtual Sleepover sharing the night on HouseParty, Zoom or old fashioned phone calls! Register at https://camp-hug.raisely.com SoWhere will you camp? #BGHcamphug

23.01.2022 Christmas came early in the warehouse today! Our volunteers had their work cut out for them unpacking six pallets of boxes full of donations from BONDS. They included socks, undies, onesies, and tracksuits (and that’s just what we were able to unpack today!) in a variety of sizes and styles. We can’t wait to get these into clothing packs and out to disadvantaged children. THANK YOU BONDS!

23.01.2022 Thank you Tassie Mums

23.01.2022 This is everything

22.01.2022 Ever wanted to be a CEO for a day? The individual or team that raises the highest amount for our camp out will be crowned Big Group Hug CEO for a day. You will get exclusive access to our organisation and help make helping kids that much better with your ideas! What a great way to raise awareness and much needed funds while also developing your own creative leadership skills!... So, what are you waiting for? Do it on your own, in your family or as a school team Sign up with your mates and make it a Virtual Sleepover sharing the night on HouseParty, Zoom or old fashioned phone calls! Register at https://camp-hug.raisely.com/signup SoWhere will you camp?

22.01.2022 New interview alert! Our Founder Angela Wood chatted to Echo Chamber Escape about how our work and the families we support have been impacted by COVID-19, and how we're dealing with these and other challenges to ensure every family currently struggling gets the help they need.

21.01.2022 CampHug featuring Chloe and her mum Jacinta A big group hug for Chloe who has already raised over $1000 for CampHug So, what are you waiting for? Join Chloe and Jacinta and be hero to children and families you dont even know.... ******************************************** Do it on your own, in your family or as a school team Sign up with your mates and make it a Virtual Sleepover sharing the night on HouseParty, Zoom or old fashioned phone calls! Register at https://camp-hug.raisely.com SoWhere will you camp? #BGHcamphug

20.01.2022 Another #ThankYouThursday! Thank you Pinchapoo for the incredible donation of baby bottles! Thank you to our knitters, who provided a whole trolley of cozy goodies this week including these snuggly teddy bears.... Thank you to the kind person who brought in a bag of donations which included desperately needed baby wipes. Thank you to everyone participating in our Reverse Advent Calendar. The campaign runs throughout November but we received our first drop off today (including more baby wipes, yay!). #BGHreverseadvent #donate #charity #supportlocal

19.01.2022 Time for another #ThankYouThursday! THANK YOU to our master crafters, including some lovely ladies from Horsham, Warmsley Retirement Village, and a home volunteer who provided plenty of winter woolies and sewed us some desperately needed toy bags. THANK YOU Team Jake who provided some toiletry packs for our beneficiaries, and purchased us some garbage bags to use to keep our warehouse clean and tidy.... THANK YOU Judith, who has been sending us parcels all they way from Queensland throughout the Victorian lockdown. This week she sent us four Express Post bags filled to bursting with brand new items for Melbourne children. #donate #weloveoursupporters #kindnesspandemic

18.01.2022 HELP OF A DIFFERENT KIND Big Group Hug really would love to get some signage on our delivery van. We ideally would like a partial vinyle wrap or a 3/4 wrap. Are there any amazing Van Wrapping Companies out their that would like to do their bit and donate their services to Big Group Hug? ... PLEASE ;-) Send us a message if you think you can help. TIA PS notice the make do magnetic signs on the van.very sad

17.01.2022 With outdoor exercise limits relaxed and perfect spring weather forecast, this weekend is a great time to get outside and stretch our legs. Need something to listen to while you walk? Check out the The Do Landers Podcast, which seeks to uncover inspiring stories of ordinary folk making a change and DOING when others dont. You might even recognise the interviewee in episode 10... (The podcast is available at https://thedolanders.com and on all your favourite platforms, including Apple, Google, Spotify and Pocket Casts.)

17.01.2022 What was reflected in this survey was that there were a number of [vulnerable] people who didnt think approaching a charity was a legitimate thing to do, Womersley said. We need to find ways of promoting our supports for people in a fashion that underlines the universal nature of our help, so that its there for everybody, not just for a particularly impoverished group of people. ____________________________________________________________________ This is why we ask you ...to share what we do. Tell your friends, not so much to give us help (although we do need and love all your help) but because maybe, just maybe someone who needs a hand who might otherwise not know how to ask will see that we are here for EVERYONE. We DO NOT JUDGE, we care and we respond. Please, if you need help, ask. https://probonoaustralia.com.au//poor-working-aussies-fe/

16.01.2022 REMINDER- IT IS TRIVIA NIGHT TONIGHT Join in on a game of Locked Down Trivia and help raise money for Big Group Hug at the same time. Its on tonight Lots of family fun to be had across the whole of Australia.... Heres a run down of what to expect on Friday * 5 rounds of trivia + 1 bonus round (fastest response wins) * Iso-skills segment (cocktail-making demonstration this week) * Best-dressed competition (Westerns this week) * Lego Masters competition (theme announced at the start of the night) You can form teams across multiple houses every house will need to register to play via the Zoom link and people then chat amongst their teams via side channels (WhatsApp or messenger or whatever). You can then just nominate one team captain to submit your answer form each round. It will run from 8pm 9.30pm Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZ0rceyqqjotH9Uy9qONM5GRWud8orEGS Donation link: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/lockeddowntrivia16 PLEASE SHARE and join in the fun. Make sure you choose Big Group Hug to make a donation to ;-) #lockeddowntrivia #biggrouphug #stayhome

15.01.2022 1 hour... you have one hour to get your kids outside for air and exercise. Now imagine taking them out with NO COAT. Nothing but a t-shirt. We have no stock of coats.... If you can spare anything to help us stock up on coats for vulnerable children, we would be so grateful. Unfortunately restrictions mean they need to be mailed to us: Big Group Hug PO BOX 2009 Bundoora 3083

14.01.2022 Thanks All Founders for having our founder Angela Wood on your show to talk about how Big Group Hug is supporting families who are doing it tough during Victorias lockdown. Watch the full interview to learn more about the challenges of providing material support during the current restrictions and how you can help ensure parents get the essential supplies they need to care for their children. We also want to echo Angelas thanks to our friends at The Nappy Collective, Bendigo Bank, City of Whittlesea, The Stork Nest, Commonwealth Bank, The Honda Foundation, and Bunnings Warehouse Australia who continue to step up and help ensure that struggling families who reach out to us for help dont leave empty handed.

13.01.2022 HIDDEN FACES Just as we dont know the faces of those we help, you can also help the kids supporting our work by making an anonymous donation. Our amazing BGH children and youth have raised over $3500 dollars so far. We would so love for them to reach $10,000 by the end of the weekend. So with 5 days to go, you can still donate to a team or join in CampHug.... Sign up with your mates and make it a Virtual Sleepover sharing the night on HouseParty, Zoom or old fashioned phone calls! Register at https://camp-hug.raisely.com SoWhere will you camp? #BGHcamphug

13.01.2022 CampHug featuring Aaliyah A big group hug for Aaliyah who has already raised over $900 for CampHug Why are you camping out for kids?P ... Where do you think the money will go? What are you most looking forward to? ************* So, what are you waiting for? Do it on your own, in your family or as a school team Sign up with your mates and make it a Virtual Sleepover sharing the night on HouseParty, Zoom or old fashioned phone calls! Register at https://camp-hug.raisely.com SoWhere will you camp? #BGHcamphug

13.01.2022 We're into the second week of our 2020 Reverse Advent Calendar campaign! Over the weekend we heard from Sinead, who is doing the project with her neighbours. She shares: "Being 6 months pregnant, I couldn't imagine how stressful it would be to be without essentials like toiletries and baby items with a young family. This is what motivated me to connect with my neighbours and organise a collective Reverse Advent Calendar. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and has g...iven us a chance to come together as a group socially, too." There's still time to join the giving campaign to share the love this Christmas! Head tohttps://biggrouphug.org/reverse-advent-calendar/ for all the details and to register your participation. #BGHreverseadvent#communitylove#everydayheroes

13.01.2022 What can we say? Thanks to everyone who came to our camping party for our inaugural camp out!! We raised almost $5,000 to help kids! We cant do this without you, we hope it was a fun time! Look out for our CEO for a day... perhaps big changes are afoot??? Xx... A big thanks to the volunteer team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes especially Jayne and Monique xx

13.01.2022 Today we responded to an urgent request for help. A young child in hospital with non accidental injuries.... Some days our hearts are broken. We do and give what we can thanks to your generosity, but some days are, well, heartbreakingly hard...

12.01.2022 We're pleased to announce that our next Community Donation Day will be Saturday, 21 November, 10am-12pm. Bookings will open this Sunday at 9am with the link posted on our Facebook page, so watch this space! We are currently in DESPERATE need of baby toiletries, including baby wipes and nappy cream. If you're visiting us on Donation Day and are in a position to donate any baby toiletries, we would greatly appreciate it.

11.01.2022 Have you been using lockdown to experiment with new recipes? Or is there a traditional Christmas dish your family looks forward to all year? Mill Park Village are giving you the opportunity to submit a Christmas recipe to be featured in the Mill Park Community Cook Book. Everyone who enters will also be in the running to win a $250 gift card (T&C apply). Best of all, profits from the sale of the cook book will be donated to Big Group Hug! Entries close 30 September.

10.01.2022 ***I am an international student with a 10 month old son. I cannot find work for 6 months now and my husband lost his job overseas and cannot help us. I came here on a holiday for 3 months but got stuck here because of the lockdown. I do not have basic clothing and baby food for my bub, as he is growing big... I cannot afford to buy clothes and any baby stuff. I am staying with my sister here, she takes care of my rent and utilities, she cannot help me anymore. I would be re...ally very thankful for any help I can get. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you so much. I really hope to hear from you soon. ****** Too many requests for help are coming in from people in increasingly difficult situations... HOW CAN I HELP? With so many of you reaching out to offer support, we wanted to let you know that for now, the most helpful thing to do is donate $$ to help us maintain the supply of items we need. Until we come out of lockdown, access to donations is limited and we are literally runing out of stock. Thank you for the incredible generosity during an horrendous time for everyone but especially for those with little or no income or support... #humanity#helping#hearts

10.01.2022 The days are blending in to each other so Thank you Thursday has shifted to Friday 1) Wow!!! Weve had so many wonderful surprise parcels come via post, one even had some lovely chocolates for our morning tea. Sorry in our excitement of unpacking we have missed a photo or two. Weve also received surprise parcels on our own front door steps and donations of cash for us to purchase lots of warm winter coats. A huge thanks to all of you. 2) Pinchapoo have helped us o...ut again!! Baby wipes & beautiful family packs, all made up ready to send out, we cant thank you enough. 3) Little Turtle Baby sent us 60 fitted cot sheets, thank you for the cuteness overload! 4) Our office will be more organised with the help of Officeworks Epping, we are loving our new clipboards, thank you. A finally big Thank you to everyone thats holding onto goods for us. As soon as we can open the warehouse for donations we will let you know. Our stock levels are running very low so we are going to need your donations more than ever. Please ensure items are washed prior to donating & put into clearly labelled bags with gender & size. If youre not sure what we accept please have a read through our acceptable items list. https://biggrouphug.org/donate-new-or-pre-loved-items/ #biggrouphug #thankyou

09.01.2022 Thank you Thursday!!! Thank you @Bunnings Thomastown!! Who ever thought we could be so excited about a new rug under our lunch table, but we are!!! Thanks also to Lynne who donated 2 beautiful rugs that weve been able to use under our desks. The amount of donations coming in via post is amazing. We cant thank you all enough for the coats, clothing, hand knits etc etc You sure are keeping Australia Post busy ... Our stock of clothing is dwindling fast so if you are able to post items to us we would be extremely grateful. We need boys & girls clothing size 3 through to size 16. BGH PO BOX 2009 BUNDOORA 3083

09.01.2022 Once again we are here, hearts broken, having to say that for now, we are closed to your lovely donations. While we all stay safe we are only able to accept donations received through the post to our PO Box. If you have the means and wish to send us anything please do so this way (address below).... Thank you for your sacrifices in staying home so that together we can overcome this challenge. We look forward to continuing to support the most vulnerable when we can all meet again safely. PO BOX 2009 Bundoora, 3083

08.01.2022 A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest. - CS Lewis One of the most popular packs we provide are our toy and book packs (not just with the children who receive them, but also for our volunteers). It's interesting to see that so many books that were a treasured part of our own childhoods are still popular with children today (or maybe just with the nostalgic parents who buy them!). What's your favourite book to... read to your children, and/or your favourite book from your own childhood? #favouritebook #justonemorechapter

07.01.2022 This week we are celebrating NAIDOC Week! Always Was, Always Will Be. recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. #NAIDOC2020 #NAIDOCWeek

07.01.2022 Thank you Colin Brooks for visiting our warehouse and letting us show you how support from the Victorian Government has helped us become more efficient and more sustainable as we try to keep up with requests for help from families doing it tough this year. https://www.facebook.com/ColinBrooksMP/posts/3334574279974695

06.01.2022 Workplace volunteering is back! As Melbourne continues to open up, so too does our warehouse, and we're excited to announce that we're now able to welcome corporate volunteering groups back to the warehouse. With many workplaces still working from home for the rest of the year, its a great opportunity to reunite your team while giving back to the local community. It's a particularly busy time of year in the warehouse, so you will be helping us keep up with the end of year ru...sh as we do our best to ensure all requests for material aid are fulfilled before we close over Christmas. We can accommodate groups of up to 15 people on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please email [email protected] for more information. NOTE: photos are pre covid. Social distancing definitely enforce now #volunteering #havefunhelpout #giveback #workplacevolunteering #CorporateVolunteering

06.01.2022 Love seeing our youth and their schools being acknowledge for all they do in our community.

05.01.2022 A simple way to help... vote for Jayne and for our FULLY VOLUNTEER team to help us share in $10,000! Every day our inbox is filling with requests for help. With your help we will continue to say YES! Vote now... takes less than a minute x https://www.westfield.com.au//2bsVQSbEL/local-heroes-2020

05.01.2022 Heres the home schooling advice we wish we had 16 weeks ago - from school teacher Angela Wood. We didnt actually interview Angela about her teaching, rather t...he incredible charity shes setup as her side-hustle thats helping thousands of families in need: Big Group Hug Check it out - available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast app. https://thedolanders.com

05.01.2022 INSPIRATION FOR THIS DAY Check out Big Group Hug from Melbourne, a charity that helps to alleviate child poverty in a sustainable and community minded way F...ounded by Angela Wood, Big Group Hug accepts pre-loved donations of baby and childrens items and rehome them among vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families whilst helping to reduce landfill at the same time. Love your work @biggrouphug If you are part of an organisation making a difference for community, share what you are up to below and well reshare!

04.01.2022 This Thank you Thursday were grateful for the support of the Victorian Government! Thanks to their Community Support Fund, Big Group Hug was able to update our IT infrastructure, warehouse shelving, and workshop, allowing us to respond faster and more efficiently to requests for help. PS As an essential service, our dedicated volunteers are still hard at work during lockdown, ensuring those families in urgent need can still access what they need to care for their children. We love our volunteers and their safety and well-being are our top priority, so rest assured that were following all advice and protocols to keep them safe as they serve our communities. In fact, this government funding has allowed us to update the safety equipment in our warehouse so were extra grateful for that!

04.01.2022 Thank you Awesome Foundation for the generous grant, which will go towards buying a commercial steam cleaner. This will allow us to thoroughly clean donated mattresses for bassinets and cribs, and then re-home them knowing that they’ll be clean and safe for the little bodies who will be sleeping on them. Crucially, it will also allow us to recycle more mattresses, preventing them from filling up landfill.

04.01.2022 EXCITING NEWS Tomorrow is the official launch date for the inaugural Big Group Hug "Camp Hug for Kids". This Fathers Day, Sunday 6 September, we are encouraging children and students of all ages to camp at home with their family to raise awareness and much needed funds to help us in the fight against Childhood Poverty.... To find out more and to sign up and start raising funds please visit: https://camp-hug.raisely.com/signup PS: A surprise for the highest student fundraiser will be announced shortly so grab your marshmallows and your sleeping bag and CAMP OUT FOR KIDS! #BGHcamphug #biggrouphug #fathersday

04.01.2022 No one says it better than Christian and Laura... x

04.01.2022 As the saying goes...it takes a village. Thank you to our wonderful supporters. Shine Lawyers (Epping, Victoria) for these lovely Dignity Bags filled with special goodies for Mums ... Students at Lalor Secondary College Due to COVID19 restrictions they were unable to help us with clothes sorting so instead they used their time to create some beautiful inspirational cards for us to include in our teen clothing packs Unfortunately we are still unable to accept donations at the warehouse

03.01.2022 *update* *Huge thank you for the kindness and generosity! We have managed to get a new rug for our warehouse. Appreciate all of your help!* R U G S Our warehouse rug has finally reached the end of its thread . ... Can you help improve the ambiance of our work space? Are there any rug business owners with a factory second to donate? Or anyone upgrading their home rug and has one to donate that is still in excellent condition. Ideally 3x2meters This is a strange request to go with these here crazy times. Please send us a PM if you can help!

03.01.2022 Good Morning BGH supporters We hopefully are getting near the end of stage 4 restrictions We are going to need your wonderful donations more than ever when the authorities let us open for drop offs. We will let you know as soon as we know.... We have run out of all baby hardware: Cots, Prams, Car Seats, Capsules, Baby Baths, High Chairs, Bouncers. We have a waiting list for these items from our Case Workers. Make the most of this beautiful weather to get them out of the garage and give them a good clean so we can safety check them and rehome them as soon as possible to our precious families. We received this photo this morning from a lovely lady who has collected these for us and today is washing all the covers and giving them a good scrub to bring them back to new. Please check the link for our acceptable donations, with safety standards, dates etc. https://biggrouphug.org/donate-new-or-pre-loved-items/

03.01.2022 Its still #ThankYouThursday so there is still time for a few more thank yous! THANK YOU BONDS for helping to keep our volunteers safe with our new packs of masks. You cant see it but they are smiling behind their new masks. THANK YOU everyone who continues to mail in donations. Lots of parcels are still coming in via post, and this week weve received some specially made dolls clothes, handcrafted toy cars, beautiful knitted beanies and lots of lovely clothing. ...We love that you are using this lockdown time to make things that will bring joy to disadvantaged children. THANK YOU Lily, who emptied her money box and sent along $10.80 with a beautiful note......how gorgeous is that!!!! THANK YOU The Stork Nest for answering our call and helping us out by providing some play gyms and pram toys. THANK YOU Rotary Club Central Melbourne for the back packs, shoes, hand bags, craft items & more that you provided us. The kids will love them. THANK YOU All Founders and ticker for having Angela on your show this week to talk about how Big Group Hug is helping families doing it tough right now and how you can help us reach even more disadvantaged children.