At Micheli Jewellery, family is our heartbeat. From our workroom to your collection, the concept of legacy is ingrained in everything we do. This year, we are ensuring that this care extends to those in our Melbourne community who need it most.
We are proud to announce that for the second year running, Micheli Jewellery has gifted $55,000 to Big Group Hug to support their Fix It Coordinator role. This landmark partnership ensures that while we restore heirlooms at our bench, vital nursery equipment is being restored for families in crisis.
The Impact of the Fix It Bench
This outright gift is dedicated to funding the specialist work of Fernando, the Fix It Coordinator at Big Group Hug. His role is essential to the safety and dignity of local families. Fernando’s expertise is used to safety-check and repair donated nursery equipment including prams, cots, and car seats, ensuring every item meets strict Australian Safety Standards before it is gifted to a family in need.
Bernadene Voss, CEO of Big Group Hug, explains that the impact of this funding is felt across the entire organisation:
"There is a quiet kind of stress that comes with this work, when a request comes in from a family in need, and you’re not sure if you can fully meet it. Micheli Jewellery has changed that. Their gift has enabled Fernando’s Fix It role, bringing consistency, expertise, and flow into our warehouse. Our volunteers are supported, equipment is ready, and instead of waiting for items to be checked, there is already something there, ready to go."
By removing the logistical bottlenecks of safety testing, Micheli’s contribution allows Big Group Hug to act with the speed and reliability that crisis situations demand.
Restoring Dignity Through Community Support
Beyond the technical repairs, this partnership is about providing families with a sense of security and respect. When a mother receives a pram or a cot from Big Group Hug, she isn't just receiving a donation; she is receiving a piece of equipment that has been professionally restored to the highest standard.
"This role has eased pressure across the entire organisation," says Bernadene Voss. "In practical terms, it multiplies our impact, enabling more requests to be fulfilled, more efficiently, and with greater dignity for every family we support. We are deeply grateful."
The ripple effect of this gift means fewer delays for families waiting on essential items and less pressure on the volunteers on the ground. "We are so thankful to Micheli Jewellery for backing not just a role, but a better way of showing up for our community," Voss adds.
How You Can Join the Impact This Mother’s Day
We have funded the bench; now, we invite you to help us fill the prams. Throughout April and May, we have established two ways for our community to add to this impact and provide essential goods like nappies, formula, and clothing for Melbourne families.
1. The Initial Collection
Our signature Initial Pendants are designed to celebrate the individuals who make up your family legacy. For every Initial Pendant purchased throughout April and May, 10% of the sale will go directly to Big Group Hug to fund the purchase of essential items for vulnerable infants and children.
2. Mother’s Day Showroom Event
For those visiting us in-store, a portion of all showroom sales across Mother’s Day weekend will also be donated to the cause. Whether you are selecting a piece from our curated collections or starting a bespoke design journey, your purchase helps us provide a safe start for another family.
A Gift That Gives Twice
Whether it is a bespoke heirloom or a sentimental initial, your gift this year carries a deeper meaning. It represents a commitment to the mothers of Melbourne and a shared belief that every child deserves a safe place to sleep and a safe way to travel.
We invite you to visit us at our Malvern or Moonee Ponds boutiques to explore the collection, speak with our designers, and join us in supporting the incredible mission of Big Group Hug.
Shop the Initial Collection Online
