June Newsletter 2021

Hi,

I know the latest lockdown was challenging for so many so I do hope you’re staying safe and well. I’m pleased to say that we have stayed open again to support families and are incredibly busy despite a week without goods donations being dropped off and not having our incredible volunteers onsite. 

There have been lots of highlights over the last couple of months, including - 

  • Celebrating National Volunteer Week - a special way to say thanks to all our incredible volunteers
  • Opening our new expanded warehouse

On another exciting note, Giving Day is also just around the corner on Wednesday 16 June. Please keep an eye out for updates and #givesharecare what you can! 

Thank you for everything you do for Eureka Mums! We often hear about the immediate impact the many items you help provide to families has on families in need. Cots, prams, car seats and clothing bundles aren't just a mode of transport or a nice outfit for families. They provide so much more - freedom, warmth, safety and opportunity. 

I hope you enjoy reading some of the exciting updates happening at Eureka Mums. 

Warm regards,
Trinsa

Trinsa Lewis
Operations Manager
trinsa@eurekamums.org

 

Give, Share, Care on Giving Day 2021

It’s that special time of year again… Giving Day is almost here. Just one week to go. 

Last year, an incredible $19,000 was donated from the community on the day. We were blown away by this support and then able to quadruple it thanks to our generous matched donor partners. Because of all these generous donations, we’ve been able to help 1,488 babies and children across 599 families in Victoria. 

We’re pleased to confirm that we will be quadrupling donations again this year and would love to raise just a little bit more than last year to ensure that we can help thousands more families with no other way of providing for their children. 

This is why we need you - our loving community to Give, Share and Care this Giving Day. 

 

Giving Day 2021
 

Eureka Mums warehouse opening

At the end of April we celebrated the opening of our newly expanded warehouse. There were so many special guests including Dannii Minogue and Gorgi Coghlan who joined us in cutting the ribbon. 

Sarah (pictured below) also made a very special guest appearance and spoke about her experience as a recipient of our service. She fled domestic violence in QLD and found sanctuary in Ballarat with her children last year. It’s hard to imagine leaving everyone you know and your support network behind but for many it’s the only way to live without fear. Sarah reminded us not to be afraid to ask for help and also about how powerful and life changing our service is. 

Thank you for making this warehouse expansion and our service possible. This space will allow us to help more babies and children than ever before. 

Warehouse opening
 

Thank you for making a Mother's Day

Our Make a Mother's Day campaign was a huge success again this year. Almost 100 mums were able to wake up on Mother's Day and receive a gift from their children that they may not have otherwise received. The joy a child experiences from being able to give their mum a special gift is one that makes memories for a lifetime. 

Toiletries may not seem like the most exciting gift to those of us in a more fortunate position, but to the Mums who often sacrifice these kinds of personal items to ensure there is food on the table and heat in the house, it can mean the world. 

As a bonus, this year $1,324 was donated by the community. We love the way our supporters get behind this event every year, and supports us by running collection drives, making up toiletry bags, and donating to this cause. 

Thank you to all our volunteers who put together some of the wonderful toiletry packs that went out this year.  

Making a Mother's Day
 

Message of thanks to share

From time to time we receive lovely stories from the people we are helping. We love hearing how the work that we do impacts a family!
Here are a few examples from the last few months.

"Just wanted to let you know that my client was incredibly overwhelmed with Eureka Mums' generosity and the trouble you went to, to tailor the packages for them. It has been incredibly difficult living in a small motel room with no transport, a 3 year old and an autistic 12 year old so having the activities, toiletries etc. makes a huge difference."

“The father was overcome with emotions when we delivered the items! He wanted me to pass on a big thank you to you all! Being able to provide him with these essential items is extremely beneficial for this family!”

"I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful things you guys have recently given to my children. You have given them so much happiness in a time of sadness and uncertainty. Thank you for the toys and most definitely the warm clothes and shoes. You guys are amazing. Thank you so very much"

Message of thanks to share
 

Dropping off your donations!

Goods donations are now being accepted via the door located on Gray St. We are still only accepting donations on a Monday and Wednesday morning and require you to book in for a drop off time

Dropping off your donations
 

National Volunteer Week
17 - 23 May

Celebrating Volunteer Week is very important to Eureka Mums. It’s our small way of saying a very big, heartfelt thank you for all that our volunteers do, each and every week. 

Our organisation couldn’t do what it does without them. A shared lunch was enjoyed each day by all who attended, with 2 volunteers taking away a prize from our raffle each day. Prizes were generously donated by local businesses Billy G, Ivy & Coco, and Artbrush by Erin.

Kyra, Jodie, and Beck represented Eureka Mums (and thoroughly enjoyed) the morning tea hosted by The Ballarat Foundation, to say thanks to those who volunteer across Ballarat’s various volunteer run organisations.

If you are interested in volunteering we are pleased to say that we are now accepting new volunteers. Please register via our website and we will be in contact with you to give you more details and let you know of our induction dates. 

National Volunteer Week
 

Coats for Kids

This winter we will be able to continue with our Coats for Kids drive at Eureka Mums. We are collecting warm winter coats, jumpers and jeans in excellent condition. 

A donation drive for essential winter items is a great way to get your local community involved. If you would like to collect winter coats with your school, kinder, workplace or other community group please email us: donate@eurekamums.org

coats for kids
 

Ladies by the Lake

Last month, in celebration of Mother’s Day, Koonara Coonawarra Wines held a beautiful ‘Ladies by the Lake’ event. We want to thank the team at Koonara Coonawarra Wines for such a fantastic event. The night was a huge success and raised $1,000 which was donated generously to Eureka Mums!

Ladies by the Lake
 

Supporter survey results

Thank you to everyone who completed our latest survey earlier this year. As a valued supporter of Eureka Mums, your feedback is very important to us. 

We received some lovely messages of support in our surveys, and here is one I’d like to share with you: 

“On behalf of the clients l support l would like this opportunity to thank you Eureka Mums for the much needed and loved items of clothing to the prams and toys you have provided for the most vulnerable children and their families in our community. 

The kindergarten support program we facilitate were grateful for the kindergarten backpacks that we handed out at the start of the school term in 2021 and these were received by our families with much gratitude as this is what inclusion looks like when you commence on your 1st day of kindergarten.

The items you provide are always beautifully packaged, and the quality and diversity of items brings joy and thanks from our families. When the winter climate hits in cold old Ballarat, the donation of warm clothing from hand knitted jumpers made with love to warm coats is imperative for a young child attending kindergarten or school. Cannot thank you enough as Eureka Mums always helps when needed. Appreciate everything you do!”

Supporter survey results
 

Share your story with us

Over the last few months, with your support, we have continued to provide essential nursery equipment to thousands of families in need. We’ve also had quite a few people reaching out to share their Eureka Mums story with us. 

Every story we hear brightens our day. So now it's your turn....

There are no rules or requirements. You’re very welcome to share your name with us or remain anonymous. 

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some questions to consider when telling your story:

  • Why have you chosen to support Eureka Mums?
  • How did you hear about us?
  • Did Eureka Mums provide assistance to you? If so, in what way? 
  • How did your experience reveal what Eureka Mums is all about?

Share your story