St Kilda Mums Make a Mother’s Day official campaign launch was a purposeful way to celebrate the return of Melbourne events after lockdown.
An intimate gathering at L’Oreal Australia’s head office discovered why a toiletry bag filled with everyday essentials is the perfect way to support a mum experiencing hardship this mother’s day.
Founder Jessica Macpherson OAM, Garrett McNamara, Gill Whelan, Anna Mac, Della Katessan and Chyka Keebaugh at St Kilda Mums Make a Mother’s Day official launch
The campaign provides an opportunity for members of our community to pack a bag of new, unopened toiletries for a mum in need.
The bags are then distributed in time for Mother’s Day.
Feedback from social workers is that this is often the only gift a mum may receive.
Sadly, many find themselves buying food and paying bills over purchasing essential items for themselves. Shampoo, toothpaste becomes luxury items.
Ideas include a toothbrush, toothpaste, perfume, hairbrush, tampons, sunscreen, body and face moisturiser, tissues.
More info here.
For a number of years L’Oreal Australia employees have volunteered with St Kilda mums and the global company became official partner last year.
Managing Director Rodrigo Pizarro has himself volunteered a number of times.
L’Oreal’s Marnie Carroll, Jessica Macpherson OAM and Martine Harte at St Kilda Mums Make a Mother’s Day official launch at L’Oreal headquarters.
In 2020 SKM supported more than 20,000 babies and children with vital nursery equipment and items such as clothing, toys and books.
Every donated item is presented as a beautiful gift and given for free.
Lockdowns provided many challenges, they dealt with the impact of Covid 19 on their organisation whilst trying to ensure they could meet the growing need in the community.
Amazingly, with no volunteers or donation drop offs, they managed to keep their doors open by tapping into the goodwill they’d built up in the community, as well as the corporate and philanthropic sectors.
The marquee fundraising event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021, leaving a huge fundraising gap.
We also honoured the incredible Jessica Macpherson OAM who founded St Kilda Mums 12 years ago and recently left her CEO role for a new venture.
She started out helping others from her own St Kilda porch to a large warehouse in Clayton.
The organisation expanded in 2013 to Geelong with Geelong Mums and then to Ballarat with Eureka Mums.
Not only has she ensured, mums in all corners of the state can access vital equipment, she’s championed recycling and sustainability and used technology to streamline service delivery, reduce costs and track impact.
She’s also volunteered her time at more than 20 charities across Australia and helped new Australians win their dream job which forms the seed for her new venture Blaze Your Trail.
All the best Jessie!
Event planning executed to perfection by :The Eventurer