Best Places to Give Back Or Volunteer In Melbourne This Christmas 2020

Christmas can be tough for more people than we think. Folks who are finding it hard financially or who are socially isolated and homeless, and others experiencing mental health issues, can really suffer at this time of year - and the age of the pandemic has compunded this tenfold. So it's at this time more than ever that your generosity is needed the most and there are loads of different ways to make an impact in our community. It's also a fantastic way to balance out all the gifts and treats kids get for Christmas!

Thankfully, Christmas is the busiest time for volunteering, so while there might not be many opportunities available, keep in mind there are plenty of charities that need help throughout the year. Perhaps pledge to donate your time and effort in the coming months as your new years resolution!

Here are the best places to give back or volunteer in Melbourne this Christmas 2020:

SecondBite

SecondBite  is a leading national food rescue organisation, working with a range of food suppliers to rescue surplus and redistribute it to local charities and non-profits around Australia. These groups run food programs to support people in need in their communities. They do call outs for volunteers to do food sorting and market collection and are seek members of the general public looking to volunteer on an ongoing basis. 

Please note: SecondBite is not accepting volunteer applications at this time, however they are more than happy to receive large bulk donations of food, provided the products meet their needs and specifications.

Melbourne City Mission

Melbourne City Mission is accepting gift vouchers for children and families in need this festive season as well as accepting donations for their Christmas Appeal. They also have several ongoing volunteer vacancies.

Uniting Care Christmas Appeal

Target has partnered with the Uniting Church to support those in need this Christmas. You can get behind their Christmas Appeal by donating funds that will help give them a gift of independence and lift some of the hardship they are experiencing. You can purchase a gift and drop it off at any Target store, or donate to the Christmas Appeal online. 

The Smith Family

 

Children's charity The Smith Family have Christmas volunteering opportunities open now! Over 2,000 volunteers will help them spread Christmas cheer by providing toy and book packs to over 25,000 disadvantaged children across Australia. You can also donate or purchase a charity Christmas gift online.

Please note: The Smith Family currently have a limited suite of volunteer opportunities available, but encourage you to keep visiting their website as they investigate more ways for volunteers to get involved.

Wesley Mission

You can donate to help Wesley Mission support people during the most vulnerable time of their lives. There are four main ways you can donate: regular giving, workplace giving, one-off donations and donating goods - and each of these options help support life-saving services.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Vinnies are looking for people to donate to their Christmas Appeal to help transform the lives of Australian parents and children who are struggling with the pain of hunger and poverty. You can also find out how to become a Vinnies volunteer.

Salvos Christmas Appeal

 

The Salvos are asking us to give back this Christmas by donating to their Christmas Appeal or making someone's Christmas Wishes come true. You can also give back this Christmas by hosting a fundraiser, volunteering, hosting a food or toy drive, donating a toy online or buying a Christmas card. Find out more about how to get involved and give back with the Salvos this Christmas.

Carols by Candlelight

Make Christmas for kids much brighter by heading out and singing some carols at Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl this year. All proceeds go to children who are blind or who have low vision. You can also volunteer for the event and join the team that helps bring the light to Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight.

Please note: There will be no live event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for Carols by Candlelight 2020 however you can tune into Channel Nine this Christmas Eve from 8pm. You can still make a difference and support Australians living with blindness or low vision by donating to Vision Australia.

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House supports the needs of seriously ill children and their families by coming them together. They provide a range of programs to help families stay close to the care they need. You can volunteer at Ronald McDonald House or donate to the Ronald McDonald Houses in Victoria.

More Christmas Cheer

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