CHARITY organisation Big Group Hug has found a new home in Thomastown, following a nine-month search for a suitable premises to support more families in financial need.
The not-for-profit organisation, located in Melbourne’s northern suburbs and servicing residents of the City of Whittlesea and beyond, was searching for a larger space in the area, preferably between 800 and 1000 square metres, including office space, after receiving notice on their Bundoora home in September.
The Bundoora warehouse was at ‘capacity’ to fit more stock and volunteering groups.
Big Group Hug chief executive Bernadene Voss said the organisation was thrilled to announce their new premises was now at 12/337 Settlement Road, Thomastown.
“Following five wonderful years in Bundoora, our lease is coming to an end,” she said.
“We are delighted to stay in the area, moving only five minutes down the road in Thomastown, ensuring our committed pool of 350 volunteers can continue to support families in our community through their work.”
The new location comprises of two adjoining warehouses, offering the charity 30 per cent more floor space for operations and stock management, including office and overflow storage room.
In the warehouse, volunteers sort and clean new and pre-loved materials donated by the community such as clothing, formula, cots, and prams for families in need with babies and children under 16-years-old.
Ms Voss said the new location was a great fit for its exisiting volunteers to travel to and for outside groups who wanted volunteering experience.
In the 2022-23 financial year, the charity supported 6022 children – an increase of 41 per cent on the previous financial year – and has received more requests from hospitals for more material aid for newborns.
Ms Voss said the plan, with the larger premises, was to help more families in need.
“We’re at the coalface, so we actually see those impacts on children and families firsthand,” she said.
“The increase is occurring month on month, it’s very obvious and also we’re still in need of a significant amount of donations, so we’re unable to fulfil 41 per cent of their requests.
“We ask the community to please look around your home for any children’s items that could be given another life with a new family or run a goods drive at your workplace or school so we can make a difference together.”
Ms Voss thanked Fab Industries who helped in relocating stock, and UTenant, Dexion Victoria and Tasman Logistics for assistance with new shelving.
Big Group Hug is planning a spring open day on September 2 at its new home at 12/337 Settlement Road, Thomastown.
For more information, visit www.biggrouphug.org and Big Group Hug’s social media.
