Service Projects
Local Service Projects
Our Local Project Award for 2025 was funded by the Community Bank Clifton Hill North Fitzroy and has been presented to the Lighthouse Foundation’s Haven House Young Women’s Freedom Program that focuses on providing a safe and secure home for vulnerable young women escaping forced or early marriage, slavery and/or gender-based violence where they can regain agency over their lives.
Birthing Kits
One of our Club’s major annual service projects is assembling birthing kits to be sent to a developing country. Birthing kits providing a clean and safe birthing environment for women in developing countries to reduce the incidence of infant and maternal morbidity and mortality.
Every day, around 830 women die of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. An estimated 303,000 women die annually in childbirth, many from preventable infections. Most women we assist for reasons of isolation, cultural choice or poor transport have little or no assistance during childbirth. By providing a clean birthing kit these mothers have the resources to reduce infection.
We partner with local secondary schools and interested community groups to assemble these lifesaving kits that are used by traditional birthing attendants in remote areas overseas. Birthing Kits cost $5.00 each and the minimum order is 200 kits. The Birthing Kit Foundation will be celebrating 20 years in May 2026.
For information on our next club birthing kit assembly event, see our Events page.
Further information about birthing kits is available from the Birthing Kit Foundation Australia.
Zonta Breast Care Cushions
The Zonta Breast Care Cushions provide comfort to women (and men) in the post-operative phase of breast surgery. Our club holds sewing bees to make the cushion, which are supplied to hospitals around Melbourne and distributed by Breast Care Nurses.
The feedback received from recipients has been positive, with one woman noting that receiving the cushion was a turning point for her in helping to change her outlook and feel more positive.
Click here for more information.
This project is sponsored by the City of Yarra.
Pamper Packs for Crossroads Family Violence Service
Each December, we prepare Pamper Packs filled with personal care items for the Salvation Army’s Crossroads Family Violence Service. These packs are designed to bring comfort and brighten the lives of women who are escaping family violence.
All the items included in the Pamper Packs are brand new and donated by our members and generous supporters. Typical donations include moisturisers, hand cream, nail polish, lip gloss, underwear, socks, and soft toys. Our donations are carefully chosen based on feedback and guidance from the staff at the Family Violence Centre to ensure they best meet the needs and preferences of the women receiving them.
Volunteer Opportunities
You are welcome to volunteer for our December Pamper Packing event. If you are interested in lending a hand, please contact us by emailing info@zontamelbourneonyarra.org.au.
Acknowledgement of Support
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our regular donors, whose ongoing generosity makes these Pamper Packs possible. Your contributions of new items and funding are deeply appreciated.
We would especially like to acknowledge Hanes, the City of Yarra and Natio for their valued support.
