Why We’re Proud to Partner with Big Group Hug
Supporting Children, One Hug at a Time
Our team believes no child should go without the essentials, especially when their families are doing it tough. That’s why we’re proud to support Big Group Hug, a grassroots charity that steps in during moments of crisis, delivering the basics every child deserves: a warm bed, clean clothes, a safe car seat, and more.
Based in Melbourne’s north and west areas, they support children from birth to 16 years whose families are facing financial hardship, housing insecurity, and other complex challenges. Through a network of over 300 social service partners, Big Group Hug responds to individual requests for material aid, delivering real items that relieve pressure on families and give children a stronger start.
In FY25, Big Group Hug provided critical aid for 7,734 babies and children throughout Melbourne and into regional Victoria, working directly with 1,174 midwives, social workers, and case workers to reach children in extreme hardship.
What Our Support Helped Achieve This Quarter
Thanks to the collective support of businesses like ours, Big Group Hug has made a huge difference this past quarter:
- 139,284 critical items distributed of $2,670,372 total value
- 96,342 (roughly 3000 packs) supplied
- 6,554 Toiletry packs for basic, vital hygiene
- 465 ‘Winter Warmer’ packs provided
- 373 cot and bassinet packages delivered for safe infant sleep
- 705 car seats/boosters provided for safe transport
- 645 prams and strollers matched to families in need
- 4,610 Toy packs for play and development
- 1,262 tins of essential formula
- 4,855 pairs of shoes for growing feet
- 6,370 Sanitary packs provided
These are more than numbers. Each one represents a child who now has what they need to grow, play, sleep safely, or stay warm.
This was possible because 400 volunteers helped meet the needs of families.
Big Group Hug also champions sustainability by diverting reusable goods from landfills. In the 2023–2024 financial year, they prevented over 140 tonnes of children’s items from going to waste, giving pre-loved goods a new purpose and reducing environmental impact.
Why It Matters
What makes Big Group Hug special is the way they meet individual needs with speed and care. Every request comes from a caseworker or social service agency supporting a family directly. There’s no red tape. It’s tailored support delivered by a small but mighty team of staff and volunteers, backed by local donations and business partnerships like ours.
In the words of one caseworker:
“Big Group Hug continues to be a vital service for our clients, many of whom are experiencing homelessness and family violence. They are always quick to respond with good quality items that meet the needs of the family.”
And from one of their beneficiaries:
“My son opened everything like it was Christmas!” For a 10-year-old who has depression, neurodiversity challenges and rarely leaves the house, the toys, games and books were a really meaningful gift for him to receive.”
Join Us in Making a Difference
We’re proud to stand alongside Big Group Hug and to play a small part in a much bigger story. Together, we can create a community where every child has what they need to feel safe, warm, and supported.
