Seaford charity brings hope to families doing it tough

Mums Supporting Families in Need is a Seaford-based charity that works with more than 80 welfare agencies to provide material aid support for families in crisis. Over the years, Mornington Peninsula Magazine has shared the charity’s amazing work with our readers and wanted to highlight its achievements again for our 150^th issue.

MSFIN values community, which is the core of its existence. Whether it be through the generosity of donations or time by the community or the community in need of its support, the whole community propels this outstanding organisation. Its vision is to provide good quality recycled and new goods to families in need to ensure every child has access to their basic daily needs.

President Donna Cartwright said her most memorable achievement within the charity was the Hamper of Hope. “Imagine you’ve left a violent situation and you’ve finally secured a new safe premises,” Donna said. “You’ll have fled with just the basics in a bag. Our hampers provide essential items for the transitional time when the victim will be setting up their life again. We provide basic cooking equipment, appliances, crockery and pantry staples, as well as essential laundry supplies. The idea behind this is that we strive to help with the early weeks and months so that they can establish themselves again in a new location. I grew up in family violence, so I truly have my heart in this stock line and it’s my biggest achievement. There’s nothing out there like it, and we’ve received great feedback.”

There is not only greater demand for assistance as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, but MSFIN has also seen a drop in donations.  Before Christmas the MSFIN pantry was well stocked with a surplus. Now it’s low, which reflects the increased need for the service. If you’re able to, MSFIN welcomes donations. Non-perishable pantry essentials and toiletries can be dropped off every day except Wednesdays from 10am-2.30pm at 2/7 Sir Laurence Drive, Seaford. Likewise, if you’re sorting out your wardrobe ready for the cooler months, please consider MSFIN for any quality second-hand items such as sleepwear, coats and jumpers for all ages, while underwear, socks and jocks for all ages must be new and are always welcome.

“Volunteers don’t have to commit,” Donna said. “They can even just donate an hour or two that they have spare at the warehouse. If you can volunteer regularly, that’s amazing too. We also welcome flexible volunteering opportunities, as there are so many jobs that MSFIN needs help with, whether it’s hands-on in the warehouse or those with marketing expertise, for example, who could assist from home. We’ll always find something to match a volunteer’s skill set.

“If people find that our cause speaks to them or if they’d like to get involved, there are so many ways you can support without time or money.  Simply share our posts or bring up our charity in conversation, or nominate the charity for your school or work’s next fundraiser. You never know who can help. Awareness is so important, so please join us in spreading the message.  Just get involved; even if it’s not with us, there are so many community groups doing amazing work at a grassroots level.”

You can keep up to date with MSFIN via Facebook @mumssupportingfamiliesinneed and on Instagram @MUMSSFIN