CELEBRATING the continuation of its vital work supporting at-risk mothers, children and families, Goulburn Valley Pregnancy Support Service recently held an open day, inviting the community to learn more about the service and its impact.
Late last year, The Adviser reported that the service, which is operated by the Caroline Chisholm Society, was at risk of closure. Thanks to the generosity of the community, around $30,000 was raised, enabling the organisation to retain its material aid program and to mark its 50th year of helping families in need.
The open morning was a chance to showcase the service and encourage continued support to secure its future. While the immediate crisis has passed, ongoing assistance is needed to sustain operations. The organisation also hopes to reinstate the Integrated Family Support Service, which has been discontinued due to funding shortfalls.
GV Pregnancy Support Volunteer Coordinator, Debra Russell, said the organisation is calling on the community to help in other ways, by volunteering time or donating funds or contributing material aid. Many of the current volunteers have been with the service for decades, and new hands and hearts are needed to carry the work forward.
“Our volunteers are getting older, the average age of them is 76,” she said. “They are really keen to get some younger volunteers on board for a few hours a week.”
As winter approaches, there’s an urgent need for baby and children’s winter clothing, socks and other seasonal essentials. Prams in good condition (manufactured in 2020 or more recently) are also in high demand.
To learn more about GV Pregnancy Support Service, go to www.caroline.org.au/save-caroline-chisholm-society-shepparton/, email gv@caroline.org.au or drop into the Shepparton centre on Monday to Wednesday, between 9am and 12pm, at 15A St Andrews Road, Shepparton.
Monetary donations are tax deductible and go directly toward helping at-risk families get back on their feet. Many of those who give today once turned to the service themselves — a powerful reminder of how, with the right support, tough times don’t have to last forever.
