So much more than an Op Shop
Helping Hands – A Community That Cares
Helping Hands began with a simple mission back in 2007, to support communities doing it tough. What started as a small outreach project in rural Victoria has grown into a thriving community-based organisation. Today, we support over 500 families every week across Victoria—especially in Melbourne’s north west—through Emergency Food Relief and Furniture and Essentials Assistance.
Our vibrant Op Shops help fund this support and have become more than just retail spaces—they're warm, welcoming hubs where people connect, share, and feel part of something bigger.
Why We Do What We Do
Life can change in an instant. An illness, a job loss, an unexpected expense—any of these can send a person or family into crisis. And the rising cost of living is making it even harder for many to stay afloat.
That’s where we come in. We work closely with food rescue organisations and community partners to make sure no one faces hardship alone. Our aim is to offer practical support with warmth, dignity, and respect.
“I nearly cried when I first came here. I had been elsewhere for help with food in the past, but at Helping Hands the amount of food given, and the quality and freshness of it, was different to anywhere else. It’s good healthy food given out in a respectful and dignified way and other places just don’t offer that.”
— Sarah, Community Member
What Helping Hands Means to the Community
To families doing it tough, we’re the reason there’s fresh food on the table and some joy in the lunchbox.
To someone starting over, we’re the place to find a kettle for that first cuppa, a couch to sit on, and essentials to make a house a home.
To our 300+ volunteers, we’re a second family—a place to contribute, learn new skills, and be part of something meaningful.
To our food rescue partners, we’re a trusted place to ensure their donations go straight to where they’re needed most.
To our donors and op shop customers, we’re a way to give items a new life, support local families, and reduce landfill.
“The volunteers were so kind and empathetic. The generosity was something I had never seen before—it made me feel worthy of the support and help.”
— Mel, Community Member
More Than a Charity
Helping Hands is more than an organisation — it’s a community. A safe space where people are seen, heard, and supported. Whether you walk through our doors needing help, offering help, or just looking for a place to belong, you’ll find warmth, welcome, and a genuine commitment to care.