Between juggling kids, work, bills, and maybe a bit of our sanity, we single mums are no strangers to tough times. However, some challenges are just too heavy to bear alone, and in those moments, we need a little extra help. With the cost of living soaring and a housing crisis that’s affecting so many of us, that support is more crucial than ever. That’s where GIVIT steps in.
GIVIT is like a lifebuoy for single mums. It’s not just a charity ... it’s a connection, a bridge between those of us who need some help and the kindness of people who can give it.
Many of my friends, strong and resilient single mums, have leaned on the organisation during difficult times. Through these, you can find not just practical support but also a reminder that they’re not alone. I’ve seen it make a real difference. Let me share with you what GIVIT is and how you can lift another mum's wellbeing.
What is GIVIT?
GIVIT is a charity that does things a bit differently than many charities across Australia. Instead of simply gathering unsolicited donations and distributing them randomly, the not-for-profit takes a personal approach. They manage donations by connecting specific items to the people who need them most. If a mum needs a fridge, a bed, or a school uniform, the organisation connects her with a donor who can offer exactly that item. GIVIT can also connect them to councils, charities, and other groups in the local area to get them the items they need.
It might sound simple, but it’s actually huge. It's not hard to imagine being offered things that don't meet the needs ... or just can’t use. I’ve been there myself, wondering how I’ll pay for a school uniform only to be offered hand-me-down furniture. It cuts out the guesswork and lets you request what you truly need. There’s a quiet dignity in knowing you can ask for and receive help that actually eases your burdens.
Support for Single Mums and Single Parents
GIVIT is all about helping families who are struggling. And as single mums, we know that every dollar counts. The network steps in to offer essential items like children’s clothing, household appliances, food, and even things like school supplies and toys. These aren’t “extras”. They’re the basics we need to keep our families safe and healthy and help people in need.
A friend of mine lost her home to the 2022 New South Wales and Queensland floods and had to move into a small unit with her kids. Because of the disaster, she had little more than a few bags of clothes, but she was determined to start over. Through it, she was able to furnish her place ... slowly but surely. She received a dining table and a couple of beds. Someone also donated a reliable washing machine that would allow the mother time to apply for work instead of washing clothes by hand.
It might not seem like much to some people, but to her, it was everything. Being able to sit down to a meal with her kids or throw in a load of washing without worrying about where she’d find the money was a step towards rebuilding her life.
Another friend whose home was devastated by a cyclone was able to get school uniforms and supplies for her kids through the network. The relief on her face when she told me about it was incredible. She could focus on her work without the constant worry of where she’d find the extra funds for basics. GIVIT didn’t just give her supplies... it gave her peace of mind. These forms of aid allow a single mother the time to devote to more important tasks.
GIVIT’s Role in the Housing Crisis
Right now, the housing crisis is hitting single mums hard. Rents are climbing, and securing stable housing has become a challenge for so many, especially the disadvantaged. Even when you do find a place, it can feel bare, empty, and impossible to afford the furniture or basics to make it a home.
GIVIT has been invaluable here. They provide furniture, kitchen essentials, and household items. These make all the difference in turning an empty space into a real home. A close friend of mine was forced to relocate to Melbourne quickly after experiencing domestic violence. She moved into a new, very bare apartment with her kids, and they didn’t have much more than mattresses on the floor. Through the organisation, she received a couch, kitchen essentials, and beds for her kids. Suddenly, the new place felt a little more like a home. Instead of facing those days full of worry and uncertainty, she was able to focus on settling in, knowing she didn’t have to do it alone.
It’s not just about material items. It’s about feeling human, feeling stable. When you’re moving through crisis after crisis, it’s easy to feel invisible. But GIVIT reminds single mums that they’re seen, that people care, and that a helping hand is out there.
How You Can Support GIVIT’s Mission
The charity's work is possible thanks to everyday people, Australians like us, who want to make a difference by volunteering. Even if you’re stretched thin yourself, there are ways to give back if you want to help:
- Donate Items: Take a look around your home. Maybe you have old baby clothes, a pair of unwanted work boots that could help someone, a microwave, or a set of plates you’re not using. Even an unused boxing bag you're supposed to dispose of can aid a kid in coping and healing. These can make all the difference to another mum in need.
- Financial Support: GIVIT also manages financial donations, which allows them to respond quickly when urgent needs arise. Even a small amount can add up and make a big impact on a family trying to get back on their feet. Small amounts can lead to millions of donations.
- Spread the Word: Even if you don't have unwanted items around the house, let others know about GIVIT. Sometimes, the hardest part is simply knowing where to turn. The more we talk about GIVIT, the more someone somewhere in Australia can find and access this support.
If you're looking at other ways to extend a helping hand, there are other forms of aid you can provide. Should you have some form of job to offer, you could help a father secure work to support his family as well. If you want to donate items, you can pledge your items through the virtual warehouse at givit.org.au so someone can get exactly what they need. You can also find which items have been donated via the portal.
Conclusion
Being an Australian single mum, it’s okay to admit that sometimes we all need a little help. Australian charities like GIVIT provide a safety net for those of us who are balancing so much. In times like these, that kind of support can be life-changing. Whether you’re someone who needs support following large emergency events, including bushfires, floods and droughts, someone who can offer it, or just someone who believes in building a stronger community, GIVIT is a way to make a difference in the lives of the impoverished and marginalised.
To the single mums reading this, remember that you’re not alone. There’s a community out here that cares, and sometimes, it starts with a little connection, a shared struggle, and a lifeline like GIVIT. Together, we can lift each other up and facilitate community recovery.
Further reading on GIVIT's work: GIVIT Brings Hope to Families in Need Amid Housing Crisis
