TNC-Annual-Report-2023-24 by Pressroom Partners

Annual Report 2023-24

YEARS

SANDRA CHAIRPERSON REPORT

This year I am extra proud to be writing and presenting this Chair’s report marking the significant milestone of the 10th anniversary of the Nappy Collective and as my role as chair.

What has felt like a blink of an eye has seen a simple idea backed by an amazing group of friends evolve into a national organisation powered by a network of passionate volunteers, businesses, and networks and of course our amazing staff and Board. This network of hundreds of people from all corners of Australia (add in some regional locations) collectively co-ordinate and work together towards our goal of all babies having a clean and healthy start to life – and that is the magic of The Nappy Collective.

One of my favourite times of the year is the national sorting days. I love volunteering to help sort the mounds of nappies donated during our annual campaigns and seeing to organisation, co-ordination, and the network of people involved. I also love the opportunity to meet and catch up with our volunteers. It is incredible to see how these sorting days have grown and evolved since our sort day in 2013 in my co-founder Lisa Simon’s garage where we sorted and re-packed those first 1700 nappies!

Our 10th year has also been our best, importantly we have been able to collect and redistribute more nappies than we ever have before. We also marked the occasion with a celebration in Melbourne, which was an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved and thank all our supporters, partners, and volunteers in Melbourne, many of whom have been with us from the start.

Despite our achievements to date, sadly, we are still not meeting the significant demand that our beneficiary organisations require to meet the need and requests as a result of Nappy Stress. This, however, motivates us to keep working harder. Our 10th anniversary inspired us to review our strategic plan, which has resulted in focusing on continuing to improve processes, developing a longer-term sustainability plan, and seeking to ambitiously grow the number of nappies we can re-distribute to people in need.

I’d like to acknowledge our incredible team, Sarah and Lauren whose passion and dedication really drive the backbone of our organisation. Thank you to our wonderful Board Jacob, Cynthia, Leonora, Bec, and Amelia (who wrapped up with us this year) who also give their time, wisdom, and guidance on a voluntary basis and make sure our organisation is strong. And lastly, to all our amazing volunteers and partners across Australia, I love seeing our volunteers in action, ensuring nappies are collected, sorted, and lovingly delivered to the families bringing relief, cleanliness, and safety to be the best parents they can be. It takes a whole Collective of people to achieve this!

Here’s to the next 10 years of The Nappy Collective.

SANDRA JACOBS OUR CHAIRPERSON

SARAH

CEO REPORT

Reflecting on the past year, my heart swells with pride and gratitude for all we have achieved together. This year has been a testament to our incredible growth, the milestones we've reached, and the support from our collective community.

We have expanded our reach, touching more lives of more families in need than ever before.

With your help, we collected 1,463,939 nappies supporting approximately 48,000 families across Australia have nappies to keep them clean, happy, and healthy. This success wouldn't have been possible without our dedicated volunteers, whose numbers have grown as more people hear about the great work we are doing.

What stands out this year is the incredible contribution of skilled volunteers who have brought their expertise to key areas within the organisation. Their efforts in communications, leadership, grant writing, social media, salesforce, and more have been game-changers, making us more efficient and impactful. As we move forward, our commitment to our mission remains stronger than ever.

We are excited about the future and the opportunities to make an even greater impact.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in our cause. Together, we can achieve amazing things

SARAH WITTY

OUR CEO

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING

This year, our corporate volunteers have played a transformative role in our mission. By stepping out of their daily routines, they've shown immense dedication and compassion, helping us distribute more nappies to families in crisis.

We are deeply grateful for their contributions and look forward to expanding the corporate volunteering program across all states.

OUR MISSION TO ENSURE EVERY CHILD HAS ENOUGH NAPPIES TO BE CLEAN, HEALTHY AND HAPPY

BOARD AND STAFF

OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS

CYNTHIA CHIU

JACOB CLIFTON

SANDRA JACOBS

LAUREN READ

SARAH WITTY

NICOLA MARSHALL

OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS

1,463,939 NUMBER OF NAPPIES DONATED

$1,024,000

VALUE OF NAPPIES DISTRIBUTED

48,000 FAMILIES SUPPORTED 740 COLLECTION POINTS YEAR ROUND

604 COMMUNITY PARTNER

386 VOLUNTEERS

OUR REACH

WHERE WE ARE ACTIVE

We are actively collecting and distributing nappies in these regions

WHERE WE ARE NOT YET ACTIVE

We are not yet actively collecting and distributing nappies in these regions

STORIES FROM THE HEART

RECIPIENT CASE STUDY

Eniya* was only 25 when she escaped an abusive relationship without any belongings or support for her and her newborn daughter.

She had been with her partner Dev* for a year and had just moved into his flat in Matraville when they found out they were pregnant. Dev didn’t take the news well, but Eniya put that down to shock and hoped things would work out.

It wasn’t long before her partner’s behaviour became controlling. Dev wanted to know where Eniya was at all times, and even began tracking her movements. He told her what to wear, who she could speak to and she was seeing less of her family as her life became increasingly under his control.

“I started to realise how small my life had become, and that he was controlling me. I wasn't the same person I was.”

Not long after Eniya had her daughter, she bravely made the decision to leave. After several attempts, she finally got out – for the last time – with little belongings or support for her and her newborn daughter, Tara*.

With the help of South Eastern Community Connect (SECC) in Mascot, a community partner of The Nappy Collective, Eniya found accommodation and the support she needed to start her new life. This included a generous supply of nappies for her little girl.

“I'll never forget the day my caseworker turned up with three full packets of nappies. She told me the nappies had come from The Nappy Collective. I am so thankful for them. They have been able to support me with nappies every month since I escaped.”

For Eniya, nappy donations have meant more money for food, rent and other essentials and a reminder that help is always available and people really do care.

THIS SUPPORT REMINDS ME I AM NOT ALONE. I WANT TO ENCOURAGE ANY OTHER MUMS IN MY SITUATION BY SAYING THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE IN THEIR STRUGGLE. IT'S NOT EASY, BUT THERE IS HELP OUT THERE IF YOU LOOK FOR IT AND YOU'LL BE AMAZED AT THE DIFFERENCE THAT HELP MAKES.

- ENIYA*

COMMUNITY PARTNER

CASE STUDY

BABY GIVE BACK (QLD)

We love the support from The Nappy Collective.

We have had some amazing large donations come through recently that has given Baby Give Back the ability to say 'yes' to so many more nappy requests and provide that little bit more support to vulnerable families in our community. Recent feedback from a caseworker as follows

"Grandma was so grateful and in tears to know there are organisations out there who could help so much with kindness. Just having a week without having to purchase nappies has also allowed Grandma to pay for her other grandson’s school uniform, this is the first time he has a brand new uniform. He is so proud of it."

COMMUNITY PARTNER CASE STUDY

JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE (NSW)

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) supports refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.

The people who need our services have no access to employment, government or other services because of visa restrictions, so they rely on JRS to help them in their daily lives. We are able to provide services, food and materials because of the extraordinary generosity of Australians who care.

There are more good people in the world than bad, and the Nappy Collective shows this every year.

COMMUNITY PARTNER

CASE STUDY

WARRINA DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE SPECIALIST SERVICES

We are a women's and children's refuge.

The women staying with us have left violence and often that includes being left with nothing.

There is not much dignity in leaving violence, the small gesture of being given nappies not only assists in keeping children safe, but it takes one thing off mum's ever-growing to-do list during crisis, homelessness and trauma.

VOLUNTEERES KAITLIN SCOTT

CONTENT CREATION (SA)

Kaitlin is the Regional Leader and Collection Point Coordinator for Adelaide SA for The Nappy Collective.

Kaitlin has been volunteering since 2023 and is a mum to two boys, 3 years and 10 months. When she’s not volunteering, she’s a primary school teacher and content creator for Kids in Adelaide. She also loves reading, baking and walking to the beach with her kids.

What inspired you to join The Nappy Collective?

In early 2022, I became a first-time mum and spent a year gaping and gasping at just how expensive everything relating to children was – especially nappies! As an essential item for keeping our children clean, happy and healthy, I was shocked and heartbroken to hear the stats around how many Australian families can’t access clean nappies for their little ones. That’s why I decided to do what I could to help!

386 TNC VOLUNTEERS

SCAN THE QR CODE TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR TNC VOLUNTEERS.

What sort of skills do you use in your volunteering and what new skills have you gained?

Organisational skills, event planning and being a people person have been key to my time in this role. I’ve also been able to use some of my skills in social media and content creation to help with spreading the message of what The Nappy Collective is, what we do as volunteers and why it’s such an amazing organisation. This has been a lot of fun!

Most memorable volunteering moment?

It’s hard to pass up the Sort & Count events. They are always so chaotic and wild, but my goodness they’re so rewarding! Seeing the amount of nappies collected during these campaigns all in one big pile is just incredible and will never cease to amaze me!

What’s the best thing about volunteering with The Nappy Collective?

It’s SO flexible! I’m now a mum to two boys and have been able to shape all of my volunteering (including leadership roles) around raising my children, running a small business, working part time and just living my life. I love that I can help out when I have the time and there are always people around to step up when I need a hand.

What would you say to others who are thinking about becoming a Collective volunteer?

Do it! I promise you won’t regret it!

Not only is it flexible and rewarding, but I’ve genuinely made some incredible and wonderful friends, many who are also mums, through volunteering with The Nappy Collective.

JENNY GRIME

GENERAL VOLUNTEER (SYDNEY WEST)

I started as a volunteer with The Nappy Collective in May 2023, and I’m currently the Community Partner Coordinator for Sydney South and West.

I also work part-time as a family daycare educator and find that The Nappy Collective aligns with my core belief that every child has the right to access clean nappies, regardless of their circumstances.

Volunteering with the organisation was first suggested to me by a friend. From the moment I made contact, I received such warm welcomes from my fellow volunteers, community partners and our collection points. I knew straight away that it was the right cause for me.

I've also found there's a really meaningful connection between my work as an educator and as a volunteer, with many of our collection points being childcare centres who share a common goal of community participation and keeping families engaged.

I also love that I can use it to educate and encourage my family daycare children to be the next generation of volunteers!

"For anyone that is looking to make a meaningful difference in their community, as well as the ability to contribute in different ways, The Nappy Collective could be for you!”

FIONA

VOLUNTEER LEADER (VICTORIA)

Fiona is the Regional Leader for Melbourne Central, East and North East for The Nappy Collective. Fiona has been volunteering since 2019 and is a busy mum to a 6-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl. When she’s not helping us make a huge difference by leading our team of volunteers in Melbourne’s east, you’ll find her hanging with her kids, baking, reading or at Pilates.

What inspired you to join The Nappy Collective?

My son! I was 10 months deep in nappies and really couldn’t imagine having to worry if we had enough nappies to get through the week.

What sort of skills do you use in your volunteering and what new skills have you gained?

A sense of purpose and focus – I lost a bit of that moving from having a full-time career as a high school maths teacher, to being a full-time mum.

Most memorable volunteering moment?

That’s a hard one to choose! I love the moments of watching my children assist with picking up the nappies, interacting with the Collection Points and the little conversations with the Community Partners when delivering the nappies. However, I think my most memorable (big) moment is running my first Melbourne-wide Sort and Count Event where we sorted almost 48,000 nappies!

What’s the best thing about volunteering with The Nappy Collective?

I can share it with my family and show my children how important it is to give back to our community. Both my children have grown up with The Nappy Collective since they were babies, and I love that my 6-year-old can now help at the Sort and Count Events.

What would you say to others who are thinking about becoming a Collective volunteer?

The ability to count a box of loose nappies just by looking at them! How much easier would that be!

TEN YEARS OF TNC

The Nappy Collective

is celebrating a very special milestone, marking 10 years of collecting nappies for Australian families in crisis.

What began as one woman’s simple act of passing on her leftover nappies to a women’s refuge a decade ago, has grown into an incredible 6.5 million nappies donated to help more than 48,000 families in crisis.

This amazing achievement has been made possible by the support of a network of over 1,870 collection points, community support partners and volunteers all dedicated to the Collective mission – that every child has enough nappies to be clean, healthy and happy.

To celebrate the occasion, our Collective Community – volunteers, sponsors, collection points and board members – came together for a night of fun and impactful and heart-warming storytelling. The event was hosted by comedian and new mum, Celia Pacquola.

Our co-founder Sandra Jacobs kicked off the night by sharing her story of how The Nappy Collective started; a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we come together as a collective.

“It’s incredible to see The Nappy Collective grow from this little lightbulb idea I had while standing in my parents’ house wondering what to do with my six leftover nappies. Those six nappies have since turned into 6.5 million,” said Sandra.

“It’s really the willingness, dedication and energy from volunteers, staff and the board that has kept us going and is making the 10th year our biggest yet.”

We also heard from Chris Scerri from West Welcome Wagon, one of our community support partners helping refugee and asylum seeker families in Melbourne’s West. He shared the gratitude of their families who receive nappies when they often don’t have anything else in their homes.

Finally, our CEO Sarah Witty shared our vision for growth in the year ahead – more collection points, more volunteers and some exciting programs underway with schools and major retailers.

A special thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate with us and to our friends and sponsors at Rose Partners, Alfasi Group Hire and Property, Pressroom Philanthropy, Every Bit Counts, Ron Whitfield Photography, Ribbons and Bows Cake and Casia Florals who made the night possible.

SINCE 2013, THE NAPPY COLLECTIVE HAS PROVIDED NAPPIES TO OVER 220,000 FAMILIES

EXPERIENCING

Homelessness Escaping domestic violence Financial hardship Impacted by emergency or natural disaster

Foster Carers Seeking asylum

FROM ONE CITY IN 2013, WE ARE NOW COLLECTING NAPPIES IN

70+ CITIES AND TOWNS

ACROSS AUSTRALIA

COLLECTION POINTS

ALANA RICHARDS BABY BUNTING

Baby Bunting is committed to supporting and empowering parents during the early years of their parenting journey, and as part of this commitment we partner with a number of community organisations to support the various needs of Australian and New Zealand parents.

The Nappy Collective provides a service that aligns to the Baby Bunting community support philosophy, and we are proud to assist The Nappy Collective in broadening their donations network, enabling TNC to distribute essential items to those babies in need.

Baby Bunting team members are hugely passionate about supporting community causes that align to the business values and can assist those in need. They have embraced the collection of nappies across our store network, encouraging customers to donate, so much so, that donation bins are often full to the brim due to team member commitment and the generosity our customers.

Baby Bunting is proud to support the Nappy Collective as a key community partner and assitt them on their vision to ensure all Australian children are clean, healthy and happy.

239,196 YEAR-ROUND COLLECTIONS

85,200 CLEAN BUMS FOR LITTLE ONES CAMPAIGN

324,396

TOTAL NAPPIES COLLECTED FROM BABY BUNTING F23-24

10,813

NUMBER OF FAMILIES ASSISTED

CLEAN BUMS FOR LITTLE ONES

334,369 Reasons to Smile Clean Bums for Little Ones

In April/May, people came together across Austarlia - businesses, volunteers, and generous donors - all to make sure babies in crisis had clean nappies. And the result? Our biggest campaign ever!

A record-breaking 334,369 nappies were collected, bringing immediate relief to around 11,145 families facing domestic violence, financial hardship, homelessness, or seeking refuge. Parents struggling to afford essentials had one less worry, thanks to the kindness of our Collective community.

With 775 collection points and 160 volunteers, nappies poured in from communities everywhere. Corporate partners stepped up too—BabyLove donated 45,880 nappies, Marquise 15,750, and Baby Bunting stores collected over 85,000. Shopping centres like Mirvac transformed into donation hubs, while Ripe Maternity stores opened their doors to support the cause.

The campaign made headlines, reaching homes through TV, radio, and social media, spreading awareness about the real struggles families face. But the biggest impact? The relief felt by a mum who didn’t have to choose between nappies and food. The baby who could sleep comfortably. The parent who felt seen and supported.

Clean Bums for Little Ones 2024 proved what we can achieve when we come together. Thank you to every business, donor, and volunteer who made this happen. Because of you, thousands of little ones stayed clean, dry, and comfortable. And that’s something worth celebrating!“

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS: KENNARDS, NORTHERN GLASS, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, BABYLOVE

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING

THIS YEAR, CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS HAVE PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN THE NAPPY COLLECTIVE'S SUCCESS. THROUGH THEIR TIME, SKILLS, AND ENTHUSIASM, THEY HAVE HELPED US DISTRIBUTE NEARLY 2 MILLION NAPPIES TO FAMILIES IN NEED. CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING NOT ONLY STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY TIES BUT ALSO INSPIRES TEAMWORK AND PURPOSE AMONG PARTICIPANTS. WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR THE INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS, WHO HELP US BRING HOPE AND SUPPORT TO VULNERABLE FAMILIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

SARAH WITTY OUR CEO