The Australian Outback Baby Project

Charity - The Australian Outback Baby Project
Items - Handmade Toys and Baby Sets
Links - Facebook

The Project is made up of many wonderful volunteers from mostly Australia and some from around the world. We knit, sew,quilt, felt and or crochet clothes and items for donation to hospitals, Outreach clinics and remote midwives in Outback Australia and rural New South Wales as well as Careflight NSW & NT so that they can donate the gift sets to grieving families of stillborn & miscarried babies and give comfort to preemie babies whilst in hospital and their flight to hospital.

We receive no government funding help what so ever, and rely on community donations & sponsorship to create our care packs and special baby packs. At the moment what we really need is hand made (sewn, knitted, crocheted) toys please. Also baby sets in Aboriginal colours (Black, yellow, red) and Torres Strait colours (blue, green, white, black).

Yasminah's Gift of Hope

Charity - Yasminah's Gift of Hope
Items - Baby Blankets, Quilts, Beanies, Booties & Teddies
Links - Facebook | Website

Yasminah's Gift of Hope provide a Gift of Hope, support and guidance for premature birth, pregnancy, neonatal and infant loss. Ensuring parents receive early, ongoing support, information and an opportunity to create lasting memories and keepsakes of their time with their child to treasure forever. 1 in 4 pregnancies in Australia ends in miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death, 1 in 10 babies in Australia are born premature.

Gift Of Hope journals provide families a place to freely express their thoughts feelings and emotions.Every Gift of Hope Journal is lovingly hand made by a dedicated team of volunteers across Australia. Our journals are supplied to over 100 hospitals across Australia & are also supplied directly to bereaved families. Our Gift of Hope support packs also include Angel Gowns (burial gowns), a handmade crocheted blanket/quilt, beanie & booties & a teddy bear/handmade teddy/animal. We also provide packs for premature babies which include a journal & also handmade items.

Yasminah's Gift of Hope relies solely on donations from the community. We are growing rapidly & welcome new volunteers to our 'family' & are always so very grateful for the generous donations we receive from the handmade community. All donations can be sent to: Yasminah's Gift of Hope, PO Box 237, Quakers Hill, NSW, 2763. We have a variety of free knitting and crochet patterns on our website for you to choose from.

Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH)

Charity - Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH)
Items - Knitted toys, Baby cardigans, Bassinet blankets
Links - Facebook | Website

RBWH Foundation is the charity arm of Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH), Queensland's largest hospital. The Foundation's role is to fill that funding gap. Money raised by RBWH Foundation is used to fund research on the campus, purchase vital pieces of equipment and enable key health professionals to attend additional training programs, conferences and seminars. To raise these funds, the Foundation relies heavily on the support of the community.

It is through the generosity of many individuals, businesses and community groups that we are able to assist the hospital in its life-saving work.
The Foundation has a small shop at RBWH staffed by volunteers that sells a variety of handcrafted items. The best selling items are small knitted toys and baby cardigans that visitors purchase as gifts for newborn babies. We are currently seeking donations of these items. We are also gratefully accepting items for the Maternity Ward, specifically bassinets blankets (approximately 60cm square). All generous donations can be sent to Rita Grice, PO 94, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Qld 4029. For more information  Facebook page and website or call 07 3646 7588.

Lou's Place

Charity - Lou's Place (Kings Cross, NSW)
Item/s - Knitted or Crocheted Blankets & Gifts
Links - Facebook | Website

Lou’s Place is a daytime refuge for women in the heart of Kings Cross. Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming place for women, meeting them at their point of need and supporting them in rebuilding their lives.

Many of the women who come to Lou’s Place are in crisis. Approximately 70% are homeless, most experience mental and/or physical health issues, and nearly all are survivors of neglect and abuse – physical, emotional, sexual, and frequently, substance abuse. Lou’s is a drop-in centre where they can find a safe place to begin restoring their security, stability and self respect. We provide safety on many different levels – from isolation and loneliness, hunger and cold, ill health, the dangers of the street or even the dangers within their own homes.

We have received beautiful patchwork knitted rugs before from knitting groups and we have almost run out so we would love to receive some more. We celebrate our clients' birthdays and sometimes our present is the only gift they receive on their birthday so any handmade gift ideas would be gratefully accepted. For more information please visit our Facebook page and website.

Street Swags

Charity - Street Swags

Item/s - Gloves, Scarves, Beanies and Socks

Our objectives are to provide homeless people with “Street Swags” in order to reduce the negative effects, illness and number of deaths  attributed to homelessness in Australia. 

We are currently seeking donations of winter woolies (knitted, crocheted or sewn, beanies, socks, gloves, scarves) to hand out to homeless people when receiving a Street Swag. All donations can be sent to Reply Paid 85789 Brisbane 4001, Queensland. For more information visit our Facebook page and website  

Central Coast Kids In Need

Charity - Central Coast Kids In Need

Item/s - Handmade Items for Annual Fundraiser Event

20 years ago in 1993 a local Central Coast mother was staying at Ronald McDonald House with her sick son when the Manager suggested she start a 'volunteer fundraising group' on the Central Coast to help other parents with their accommodation bills. These families all have seriously ill children with prolonged illness (a very large proportion are cancer patients, others with organ transplants and premature babies with life threatening health issues.

Not everyone is aware that there is a $33/night fee to stay at the Ronald McDonald Houses. As an example, following a bone marrow transplant a child needs to be isolated for some 6 weeks before returning home to the Central Coast. Bills for thousands of dollars would financially ruin young families. Central Coast families do not qualify for any government assistance as only families more than 100 kms away from the treating hospital are eligible.

To assist in the ongoing fundraising effort of our volunteers, we host an annual Trivia Night to try and raise funds for the families we support. It would be great to have some handcrafted items donated for prizes so we can raffle off a beautiful quilt, craft hamper or crocheted blanket as examples of ideas. It is our major fundraising function of the year, we have lucky numbers, raffles, silent auctions and also live auctions. Donations can be sent to CCKIN, PO Box 3268, Bateau Bay 2261, NSW. For more information please visit our Facebook page or website: 

Project Respect

Charity - Project Respect
Item/s - Knitted and Crocheted Beanies for Women, Children and Babies

Project Respect's vision is for a world where women are free from trafficking, prostitution and sexual exploitation. We support women in the sex industry; through direct outreach, practical assistance, referral, ongoing emotional support, social inclusion and a sense of community.

The Project Respect team is made up of a diverse team who believe women matter and who are committed to supporting women in the sex industry. This includes women who have been, or still are involved in the sex industry holding positions throughout the organisation; from the Committee of Management, right through to volunteers. We believe this enables Project Respect to maintain the most current and extensive insight into the Australian sex industry.

If you would like to donate handmade items to assist us in our outreach, we would greatly appreciate any crocheted and knitted items for women, children and infants including blankets, memory blankets and pillows, beanies, and muslin wraps. For more information visit our Facebook page or website below:

The Salvation Army

Charity - The Salvation Army

Item/s - Handmade items to be sold or donated

The Salvation Army is about people finding freedom. We believe in freedom through community. We believe in the power of community. People loving other people, and people helping other people. Those who ‘have’ sharing generously – sacrificially – with those who don’t. People finding acceptance, encouragement, healing and support without discrimination. We believe no-one should have to ‘go it alone’.

Salvos Stores will gladly accept handmade goods, which will then be sold in store with the money raised going directly to people in need. Alternatively people can contact their local Salvation Army welfare centre if they would like their handmade goods to go directly to a person in need. We have hundreds of welfare centres throughout Australia however each welfare centre will have their own guidelines on what they can accept and what will be most useful to their clients. If you prefer this method the best thing to do is enter your suburb here: http://my.salvos.org.au/about-us/contact-us/find-the-salvos-near-you/. Under "Type" select community welfare and from there you can contact your closest welfare centre to discuss what kind of items are the most useful. For more information visit our Facebook page or website:

Canberra Hospital Foundation

Charity - Canberra Hospital Foundation

Item/s - Knitted and Crocheted Adult Beanies, Scarves, Blankets and Premature Baby Beanies and Blankets

The Canberra Hospital Foundation launched in 2011 and assists the Canberra Hospital to provide exceptional clinical care by raising funds for equipment, to support research and to enhance facilities for patient and family centered care.

Patients and their families are always grateful to receive handmade items during their stay at the Canberra Hospital. Knitted and crocheted items such as scarves, beanies, blankets, premature baby clothing are greatly appreciated. Contact the Canberra Hospital Foundation for details on how to donate. Visit our Facebook page and website below for more information.

Tea Cosy Competition for Cancer Council Victoria

Charity - Cancer Council Victoria
Item/s - Tea Cosies

Every year, almost 30,000 Victorians will be diagnosed with cancer, and 11,000 will die from cancer. The number of cases will increase as our population grows and ages. Survival will also improve as we get better at early detection and treatment of cancer.

Since their establishment in 1937, Cancer Council Victoria has developed an international reputation for our innovative work in cancer research, prevention and support. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, the Cancer Council plays a leading role in reducing the impact of all cancers on all people.

If you’ve always wanted to make a tea cosy here’s a good reason! The aim of the competition is to raise $10,000 for the Australian Cancer Council. There is a $250 prize for the best tea cosy, as judged by our panel! Entries can be posted to ‘Tea Cosy Competition’ PO Box 109, Ringwood East Post Office, 3135.

Closing date for entries is Friday 27th June, 2014. The tea cosies will be on display and for sale at Warratina Lavender Farm from 5th-13th July, 2014. To make a donation click on the website below.

Country Women's Association - Frankston South

Charity- Local Community (Frankston, Vic)
Item/s - Premmie Beanies, Calico Dolls, Bed Socks

As a member of the Country Women's Association (CWA) there are an endless number of ways you can be involved with your community. Each state or territory manages their own office, and acts as a guide for CWA branches across that state.

From getting involved in projects, campaigning on issues or becoming part of an interest group, the Frankston CWA Branch offers a diverse range of opportunities. Local participation can include fundraising at events to sharing delicious recipes!

Premature babies in Frankston Hospital’s Special Care Nursery will be warm and snug this Winter, thanks to the ladies of the Frankston CWA Craft Group. The craft group recently presented 191 ‘premmie beanies’ to the nursery as well as 164 calico dolls to be used in Radiology and the Paediatric Departments. Last year the group donated around 900 handmade items including blankets and bed socks to Frankston Hospital, cancer treatment centres and various nursing homes.

They hope the gifts bring cheer and comfort to the children, and support and care to members of the community. Frankston CWA has been supporting residents of Frankston and surrounds for 79 years. They meet Wednesdays fortnightly. For more information visit their Facebook Page or CWA Victoria website via the link below.

Warming Beautiful Souls

Charity - Pediatrics
Item/s - Handmade gift for children & teenagers

Warming Beautiful Souls was created to bring moments of happiness to children battling cancer, inspired by the beautiful children we met during our own daughter Maya's journey with cancer. Maya was born with Rhabdomyosarcoma and spent most of her 23 months of life in hospital receiving treatment, before finding eternal peace in November 2013.

After months of distributing hundreds of wonderful donated gifts to children fighting cancer in eight hospitals around Australia, we decided to expand our focus. On each hospital visit it tore at our hearts that so many children were suffering prolonged and repeated hospitalisation, for serious illnesses other than just cancer. A child suffering is a child suffering, despite their illness. So we have expanded our focus to include all children suffering serious illnesses.

We are pleased to announce that WBS now has wonderful people in each state/territory helping distribute the items people donate, so your gifts will go to children in your local major hospital. Warming Beautiful Souls accepts handmade gift for babies, children and teenagers including knitted, crocheted and sewn goods. For more information and a list of local distributors visit the Facebook Page

Craft4aCause - Ayla's Rainbow Foundation

Cause - Craft4aCause
Item/s - Handmade items to be sold at markets

Craft4aCause is a group of crafters who use their skills in crafts such as sewing, knitting, crochet, spinning etc to create funky projects to be sold at markets. Craft4aCause was brought about as both a creative outlet and an opportunity to financially support Ayla's Rainbow Foundation. Ayla's Rainbow Foundation has been created to raise much needed funds to assist Ayla, who has a Neuro Migrational disorder, called Polymicrogyria. All proceeds of items sold at markets help fund Ayla's ongoing therapy costs.

Polymicrogyria is a genetic condition and creates similar symptoms to a child with Cerebral Palsy. Like all therapies for children with disabilities, the therapy is a time consuming, labour intensive and expensive. For Ayla, her therapy lasts around 3 hours every day and costs approximately $28,000 per year. Due to this ongoing cost we are seeking support to help assist us with Ayla’s treatment. For more information visit the Facebook page and website via the link below.

Miracle Babies Foundation

Miracle Babies Foundation is Australia’s leading organisation supporting premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals that care for them.

Every year in Australia around 45,000 newborn babies require the help of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Nursery (SCN). 25,000 of these babies are born premature and up to 1000 babies lose their fight for life.

For families, the experience of having a baby come into the world not as expected or planned is life changing. Without support, this overwhelming and traumatic experience can have lifelong effects on the emotional wellbeing of these miracle families. It affects the entire family unit.

Since 2005, Miracle Babies Foundation has been passionate in developing and providing vital programs and resources to support and enhance a family’s experience from a threatened pregnancy, hospital journey with a premature or sick newborn, the transition to home and beyond.

Australia is home to 22 state of the art intensive care units designed to meet the unique and critical needs of our earliest and sickest babies. Working with health professionals on the joint agenda of better outcomes for families, Miracle Babies provides informative education and insight on a family’s experience and funding for equipment, resources and research.