Every so often, a visit to a partner organisation reinforces why the Frank Montagnese Foundation exists. Recently, our team visited the warehouse of Our Village, a remarkable charity that supports thousands of Victorian families by giving quality pre-loved children’s goods a second life.
Walking through the warehouse, we saw volunteers and staff working methodically through donations – sorting prams, cots, car seats, toys, clothing, books, and other essentials. Each item is cleaned, safety-checked and carefully packed before making its way to a new home through a network of social service agencies and maternal and child health centres. This level of care ensures that the families receiving these items are treated with dignity and respect.
A Statewide Impact
Our Village was formed through the merger of three well-known charities – St Kilda Mums, Geelong Mums and Eureka Mums. By joining forces, they’ve created an organisation with a truly statewide reach, supporting families in all 79 Local Government Areas across Victoria.
The scale of their work is extraordinary. In the past year alone, Our Village has supported more than 33,000 babies and children, re-homing over 114,000 pre-loved items. These include essentials like clothing and nursery furniture, but also the everyday items that help families feel more supported during tough times.
This effort doesn’t just ease the financial strain on vulnerable families – it also has a major environmental benefit. By reusing quality goods rather than sending them to landfill, Our Village has diverted nearly 400 tonnes of material from waste. It’s a practical and powerful example of how community care and sustainability can go hand in hand.
A People-Powered Mission
What stands out most during a visit to Our Village isn’t just the impressive numbers – it’s the people behind them. Volunteers work shoulder to shoulder in the warehouse, ensuring every item is sorted and packed with care. Their energy reflects a shared belief that no family should have to go without the basics.
This people-powered approach is central to Our Village’s success. Donations come from families and businesses across Victoria, while support networks ensure those items reach people who need them most. It’s a community model that works – and one that continues to grow as more families face cost-of-living pressures.
Why the Frank Montagnese Foundation Supports Our Village
The Frank Montagnese Foundation exists to back organisations that create tangible, positive impact in the community. Our Village represents exactly that kind of impact – practical, sustainable, and delivered with heart.
Our ongoing support helps Our Village continue their vital work. Whether it’s through funding, partnerships, or raising awareness, we’re proud to play a part in ensuring thousands of Victorian families receive the support they need.
This isn’t a one-off initiative. The Frank Montagnese Foundation believes that lasting change is built through consistent, meaningful support of organisations that make a difference every single day. Our Village’s commitment to dignity, sustainability and community aligns perfectly with that vision.
How You Can Help
While Our Village has an incredible team and structure, it relies on ongoing donations and volunteer support to meet growing demand. Families, businesses and community groups can all contribute — whether by donating quality pre-loved goods, volunteering their time, or supporting fundraising efforts.
The Frank Montagnese Foundation encourages anyone looking to make a difference in their community to consider supporting Our Village. The impact is real, immediate and far-reaching.
Building a Stronger Community Together
Our visit to Our Village was a powerful reminder that real change starts with practical action. By connecting resources to those who need them most, they’re strengthening families, supporting children, and creating a more sustainable future for Victoria.
The Frank Montagnese Foundation is proud to stand alongside Our Village in this work. Together, we can help ensure more families have access to the essentials they need to thrive – and build a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone.
