By Deanne Jeffers
FIRE Rescue Victoria (FRV) have thrown their support behind Goulburn Valley Pregnancy & Family Support Service, donating essential items and $800 in cash, as well as pledging to keep the help coming.
Around 10 firefighters in two fire trucks visited the Shepparton service recently to hand over the donation and hear first-hand how the volunteer-run organisation is keeping vulnerable families afloat.
Volunteer coordinator, Debra Russell, told firefighters that the service, which has been running in various forms for around 50 years, is often the last safety net for parents with nowhere else to turn.
“We’re seeing mums who are 38 weeks pregnant and have nothing, no pram, no baby clothes, no nappies,” Ms Russell said. “They can come in here and we can outfit them with a pram, a baby bath, nappies and a newborn bundle so that if they went to hospital tomorrow, they’d have everything they need. At no cost.”
Unlike many services, GV Pregnancy & Family Support Service does not require referrals, ID or Medicare cards.
“If we’ve got it and you need it, you can have it,” Ms Russell said. “I’m the only paid worker. We don’t have a flash building or a car, it’s just me and eight or nine volunteers, and we are very, very busy.”
The service is seeing growing demand from new arrivals, refugees and families experiencing homelessness, trauma and financial stress.
Recent grants, including $20,000 from Soroptomist International and $10,000 from the Tatura Pedal and Steps and hundreds of small community donations helped keep the service from closing last year, but ongoing support remains vital.
Leading Firefighter Greg Joinbee said the donation was just the beginning.
“This is just a small donation from the staff, out of our own pockets,” he said. “We’ve also nominated you through our charity fund, and if you let us know what you’re short of, we’ll keep asking around the station.”
Ms Russell said support from groups like FRV, Rotary, service clubs and everyday shoppers who pick up extra packs of nappies or underwear can make a profound difference.
“It might be $50 here or $100 there, but that’s what’s kept us open,” she said. “We’re incredibly grateful for every bit of help.”
GV Pregnancy & Family Support Service operates out of 12A St Andrew Road, Shepparton, and are open Monday to Wednesday, 9am-12pm.
To learn more or make a tax deductible donation, go to www.caroline.org.au/save-caroline-chisholm-society-shepparton/, email gv@caroline.org.au.
