Big Group Hug Volunteer

Big Group Hug was founded in 2014 by mum and teacher, Angela Wood and successful business leader, Geraldine Camilleri. Based in the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne, Big Group Hug supports vulnerable and disadvantaged families in need, by providing new and pre-loved goods for children aged 0-16.

At Big Group Hug, we believe it takes a whole community to raise a child, and we strive to be that community for families facing financial hardship and other challenges. Big Group Hug is a diverse tapestry of people from all walks and stages of life - from parents and grandparents to students and teachers, community members and organisations, and local businesses. What unites us is our shared commitment to ensuring every child has their basic needs met to give them the best possible start in life.

As a volunteer, you become an essential part of this community. Your efforts will help tackle childhood poverty by providing vulnerable children with the items they need to break the cycle of disadvantage. We value every volunteer's contribution, whether it's one hour a month or one day a week. Your time and dedication make a significant impact, and you are a vital member of our team, working towards building resilient families and ending childhood poverty.

The role

This is direct service with a difference.

Sorting and packing

Volunteers with this role sort and clean donated goods (clothes, toys, books, and other items), to prepare clothes or toy packs for babies and children. Volunteers would need to check, sort, and pack up the goods by age, size and gender. We have lists and guidelines to help with these tasks and volunteers will be guided by a daily supervisor.

Equipment checkers

As child safety is BGH's upmost priority equipment such as prams, car seats, cots, and highchairs must be thoroughly inspected and cleaned. Test and taggers will check each electrical item for compliance. Volunteers in this essential role will check, clean and fix hardware items so they can be rehomed following the guidelines provided.

Request Desk*

Volunteers in this role collect and collate the requested goods from various warehouse locations, to assemble an order ready for caseworkers and agencies to pick up. This role involves some basic computer knowledge and training is provided on site.

*This role is available upon request, only after students have experienced the sorting and packing to understand the assembly and distribution requirements.