It takes a Village. Give now and join Ours.

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Who is more vulnerable than a newborn?

Nobody is. In a world where so many are doing it tough in all sorts of ways, nobody is more vulnerable than a newborn baby.

Will you give $ [[link removed]] 59 [[link removed]] today and join the village these babies so desperately need? [[link removed]]

Dear Friend,

It takes a village to raise a child.

Tragically, many precious newborns come into the world without a wider village to help them thrive. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers can find themselves without the resources required to provide the essential items their baby so desperately needs.

You [[link removed]] have been an incredible support to St Kilda Mums, Geelong Mums and Eureka Mums in the past. Recently, we joined forces. Together, as Our Village, we will increase our impact for vulnerable babies, children and the environment. We've changed our name and how we look, but our vision, purpose and goals remain the same.

We're turning pre-loved into re-loved so every child thrives. When a baby is in need, Our Village provides the basics that they deserve.

PLEASE GIVE NOW [[link removed]]

There are many reasons that lead to a mum, dad or carer needing the help of Our Village.

With the cost-of-living crisis having a devastating impact on those already facing hardship in our community, more and more parents are struggling to provide essentials for their babies. Prams, car seats, cots – all seem like basic items that you would have in your home before a baby arrives. But they are often “big-ticket items” – requiring an amount of money that simply isn’t always available to those in need. When the choice is between groceries or a cot, or between paying the power bill or buying a car seat, you can understand what takes priority.

Ashleigh was in and out of homelessness after leaving the foster care system. After becoming pregnant, her only choice was emergency accommodation for young mums. She was in her darkest period, and people around her told her she was ruining her life. Facing the biggest challenge of her life, she had nothing ready for her newborn baby. She simply could not afford the basics her baby needed – including a safe place to sleep.

It takes a Village. Give $59 now and join Ours. [[link removed]]

Those who arrive in our state as refugees are often relieved to have the opportunity to live in a safe place, with hope for the future. However, the practical reality is that it takes time and resources to rebuild lives and to provide the essentials that their babies need to thrive.

Laila (not her real name) managed to escape Afghanistan last year when life became too dangerous for women. While she was thrilled to be given the opportunity to live in Australia, unfortunately her husband was not granted refuge and so she found herself alone in a new country. To her shock, she also realised she was in the early stages of pregnancy. While working full time as an interpreter, she managed to support herself and was tentatively hopeful for the future. That all changed when Laila experienced complications in her pregnancy and had to stop working. Suddenly she was not able to provide for the baby that was due in just a few months. She was terrified of taking her baby back to an empty apartment without the essentials she needed.

Give $59 today and join the village these babies so desperately need. [[link removed]]

I’m sure you’ve seen the media coverage highlighting the ongoing horror of domestic violence in our country over the last few months. With statistics reporting 1 in 4 women have experienced violence from a current or former partner, it’s easy to see a direct link to mums needing help to provide for their children. Women fleeing their homes or under threat from partners are often left with few resources.

Britney was in a toxic relationship that became violent when her partner found out she was pregnant. To ensure her safety, she left him, meaning she was alone and homeless. No money and no support made her future appear daunting and she seriously considered an abortion. With increasing threats from her ex-partner – Britney had to face court appearances to attain an intervention order while heavily pregnant. Finally, she managed to get somewhere to live but had nothing for herself or the baby. She distinctly remembers being 8 months pregnant and sleeping on a blow-up mattress.

We hear these stories, and so many more, every day here at Our Village. When you make a gift you are joining a very special village of support, giving a vulnerable newborn baby the chance to thrive. We [[link removed]] rely on your support to keep our warehouse doors open and to continue to provide our service to babies and children in our community. It takes a Village. Give now and join Ours. [[link removed]]

Thank you so much for your support,

Ruth Holdaway MBE

Chief Executive Officer, Our Village

P.S. Don’t forget – all gifts over $2 are tax deductible. Make your donation today, before the 30 June deadline. [[link removed]]

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