Kiddipedia
As Christmas approaches, Our Village is reaching out with a heartfelt message: hundreds of Victorian children could wake up this year without the joy, comfort, or everyday essentials they deserve.
The charity has launched its 2025 Festive Appeal, with 835 children currently waiting for urgently needed support.
For many families, Christmas is meant to be a time of warmth, laughter, and togetherness. But for those facing financial hardship, it can be a reminder of the struggles they deal with every day. Some children may have no gifts under the tree, no festive meal to share, and parents juggling rising living costs with limited resources. Our Village is asking the community to help bring a little magic, care, and hope to those who need it most.
How Our Village Helps
Our Village gives vulnerable babies and children across Victoria the essentials that every child deserves. From safe sleeping spaces and clothing bundles to prams and book packs, the charity ensures children feel loved, safe, and cared for. Last year alone, over 20,000 babies and children were supported, but demand continues to grow.
How Your Donation Helps
Even a small contribution can make a huge difference in a child’s life:
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$25 – Provides a book pack, giving a child moments of joy and escape
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$59 – Supplies a clothing bundle to last a child a full year
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$123 – Rehomes a pram, giving parents and carers freedom and mobility
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$201 – Provides a safe place for a baby to sleep
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$1,070 – Funds The Whole Kit and Caboodle: a full year of essentials for a newborn
“No child should miss out on the magic of Christmas,” says Ruth Holdaway, CEO of Our Village.
“Every baby and child deserves to feel safe, cared for, and included this festive season. Your support can bring comfort, joy, and dignity to families who are facing real challenges.”
Case workers often see the joy that a simple Our Village pack can bring, a small gift or a pre-loved book can become a treasured moment of happiness, especially for children dealing with trauma, sudden family changes, or homelessness.
Anna, a case worker partner, shares:
“Many families we support are facing housing stress, mental health challenges, family violence, or financial hardship. These parents are doing their best in incredibly difficult circumstances, and every bit of support makes a meaningful difference.”
One parent, Krystle*, became a full-time carer for her 10-year-old niece after her sister died suddenly. Relying on disability support and limited resources, she was overwhelmed — until Our Village stepped in:
“We were so grateful to receive a pack with beautiful, high-quality pre-loved clothes, shoes, and a book. My niece had tears in her eyes — it was truly magical.”
With close to 50 requests for help every day, the charity urgently needs donations to continue providing safety checks, cleaning, sorting, packing, and delivery.
“Every dollar helps turn hardship into hope,” Ruth says.
“This appeal is about showing children and their families that they are seen, valued, and cared for. Together, we can bring comfort, dignity, and a little Christmas magic into homes that need it most.”
Donate to the Festive Appeal: www.ourvillage.org.au
*Name changed to protect identity
About Our Village
Our Village is an exciting new chapter in the story of three of Victoria’s most loved charities. St Kilda Mums, Geelong Mums and Eureka Mums have joined forces. This move has enabled the organisation to put more resources on the front line to achieve their goals of reaching every Victorian baby and child up to the age of six that needs help, whilst also significantly reducing the waste that ends up in landfill.
The organisation collects donations of pre-loved essential baby and children’s items and works with social workers and maternal and child health nurses to rehome them to babies and children in need. In 2024, Our Village supported 22,176 babies and children with over 75,780 items valued at more than $8.5M.
