Environmental credentials attract St Kilda Mums to Monash

Published on 24 August 2021

Well-known and highly successful non-profit, St Kilda Mums has moved to Monash as part of an expansion of its high-demand and high-quality services. 

With a mission to rehome preloved nursery goods as part of their support to Victorian families in need, St Kilda Mums collects, sorts and redistributes (through relevant support agencies) essential nursery equipment, clothing, books and toys for babies and school-age children. They also rely on generous donations of new stock from local businesses to fill the need.

Founder and CEO Jessica Macpherson OAM said they were first attracted to Monash due to Council’s focus on sustainability, which aligns with St Kilda Mums’ philosophy of ‘re-use and waste reduction’.

“Monash has the only polystyrene recycling service in metropolitan Melbourne, and we had been bringing our waste here for recycling for years,” she added.

Having outgrown their St Kilda site, they found their new home in Clayton. The site accepts donations, but all services are provided through agencies.

In 2019-20, St Kilda Mums helped over 20,000 children, with more than a quarter of those younger than 12 months old. They’ve distributed over 60,000 items valued at over $7 million, including clothing and toiletry bundles, educational toy and book packs, prams and strollers, cots, highchairs and car seats, all of which are carefully cleaned and checked for safety.

With more than 25 staff, supported by 2500 volunteers, the organisation lends its services to most of Victoria from their headquarters in Winterton Road, supplemented by a site in Geelong called Geelong Mums and another in Ballarat called Eureka Mums.

Local businesses are encouraged to join their peers, such as the Monash Business of the Year, Grants of Australia, which regularly donates toothpaste and dental care kits and sponsors the Care Corner at the new Clayton HQ, and Victorian Freight Specialists which generously provides pro-bono transport services to ensure that families in regional Victoria are able to access much needed equipment and supplies provided by St Kilda Mums.

Donations are encouraged for relevant services and new items including baby and children’s goods, educational books and safe toys, and toiletries for the entire family.  Manufacturing over-runs are greatly appreciated.

How can you and your business help St Kilda Mums support families in need across Victoria?

Read or make contact through www.stkildamums.org