Our Impact
Since 2007, Helping Hands has grown from a small mobile op shop serving rural Victoria into a place where people come together, find support and feel part of a community.
Today, we're so much more than op shops and food relief. We're a Community Hub — a place for a meal, a friendly chat, a helping hand, a new opportunity or simply a sense of belonging.
Because everyone needs a little help sometimes, and everyone deserves to feel welcome.
About Us / Our Impact
More than a helping hand. A place to belong.
When you support Helping Hands, you’re making a difference every day.
150 families a day access support through our Community Pantries.
100+ hot lunches a day bring people together in our Community Dining Room.
300+ volunteers share their time and kindness across our three locations.
8,000kg of essentials sourced and purchased each week for our Community Pantries.
1,200+ children received gifts through our Christmas Cave in 2025.
Behind every number is a person, a story and a community that cares.
So much more than you might expect
A little help when it's needed most
Our Community Pantries in Airport West and Sunshine provide fresh food and pantry essentials to people experiencing hardship. Just as importantly, they offer a welcoming space where people can receive what their family needs and feel comfortable asking for help.
Through our Material Aid program, we also provide essentials such as furniture, clothing and household items to people facing difficult circumstances. And at Christmas, our Christmas Cave helps parents choose a special gift for their children.
“It's good, healthy food given out in a respectful and dignified way.”
— Sarah, Community Pantry visitor
Good food and good company
Our Community Dining Room is about more than a hot meal. It's a place to share a cuppa, catch up with familiar faces and feel connected.
Whether someone comes for the food, the company or a little of both, there's always a seat at the table.
For Vladimir, who found companionship at Helping Hands after losing his wife, that connection means everything.
“Helping Hands is one of the best charities I have ever seen.”
— Vladimir, regular dining room visitor
A place to find your people
Helping Hands is a place to make friends, learn new skills and discover a sense of purpose.
Our 300+ volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Through our Assisted Volunteers Program, we also create opportunities for people who need extra support to get involved, build confidence and find their place.
As volunteer Robyn puts it:
“You get back as much as you give!”
— Robyn
Kindness that keeps on giving
Our Op Shops give pre-loved items a second life, while our food rescue partnerships help get good food to people who need it rather than letting it go to waste.
Every donation, purchase and helping hand contributes to something bigger — caring for people, supporting our community and reducing waste.
Real people. Real stories.
Mel's story: The difference kindness can make
When Mel came to Helping Hands in 2017, she'd escaped domestic violence with her two young children and was facing one of the hardest times of her life.
She came looking for food but found so much more. Our volunteers helped her access clothing and toys for her children, while offering something just as important: kindness, understanding and a place where she felt she mattered.
Years later, Mel returned to say thank you. Having studied community services, she's now sharing her experiences to help and inspire others.
Her story reminds us that sometimes, a little support at the right time can change the course of someone's life.
“The volunteers at Helping Hands made me feel like I mattered, and that had a lasting impact.”
— Mel
Helping Hands is made possible by the people who give, share, volunteer, donate and shop with us.
We're proud to be a predominantly self-funded charity, with our Op Shops helping fund our Community Pantries and other support programs.
Whether you volunteer your time, donate goods, shop second-hand or partner with us, you're helping make our community a kinder, more connected place.
Be part of something good
There’s a place for everyone at Helping Hands
