What is "Seconds to Give"?

Seconds to Give was formed in 2005 in Melbourne (Australia). Its mission is to bring joy and to make a positive difference to people in need - both within Australia and internationally. Seconds to Give is run and resourced entirely by volunteers. All funds raised go directly to our activities.

Seconds to Give International

Seconds to Give International currently focuses its work on communities in need in the Philippines, where poverty is a significant problem. The proportion of the population living below US$1.25 a day in 2006 was 23 per cent or around 20 million people. At the same time, about 44 per cent or over 40 million Filipinos were living on less than US$2 a day.

• distributed over 6650 kilograms of second-hand items (clothing, shoes, toys, linen, lightweight kitchen items, books, pens, bags etc.) from Australia to over 4200 people in the Philippines;
• provided educational sponsorships for 18 children with disabilities in the Philippines;
• brought the joy of music to approximately 3000 students in a local school in the Philippines by providing musical instruments and the volunteer time of a music teacher from Australia; and
• funded vital repairs to local schools in the Philippines.

Seconds to Give Australia

Seconds to Give Australia is currently working with the aboriginal community of Palm Island, which is situated 65 kilometres north-west of Townsville, in north QLD. Palm Island has a sad history. From 1920 to late 1960, it was used a settlement for Aboriginals considered as being "disruptive", being pregnant to a "white" man or being born with "mixed blood". It is now considered one of the four most disadvantaged indigenous communities in Australia.

Approximately 4000 people live on Palm Island. There are very few employment opportunities on the island and 90% of the adult population is unemployed. Insufficient housing results in overcrowding and the cost of living is very high due to remoteness and a general lack of private enterprise. Goods cost considerably more than similar products in mainland Queensland, sometimes two to three times higher.

In May 2010, Seconds to Give, with the support of the Geelong community, the Catherine Freeman Foundation and the Palm Island Community Company, transported and distributed over 600 kilograms of clothing, toys and shoes to the Palm Island community. The donated goods also supported the Mens Diversion Centre and the Maternal Child and Health Centre on the island. These items were very gratefully received and Seconds to Give is committed to continuing to support the community. The next planned distribution will be in December this year.

• Towels and linen with on average 10 people living in each 3 bedroom house on the island, with many having to share towels and linen.
• Nighties and pajamas for people who need to go to hospital as very few people have them.
• Personal care items (shampoo, conditioner, soap, roll-on deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes) as these are too expensive for many people to buy.
• Toys for the children at Christmas.

How can I help? - A simple way to making a difference

Send us an email at secondstogive@gmail.com to discuss how you can help, including:

• Donating clean gently used clothes, linen, toys and other household items,
• Helping with the collection and packaging of second hand items,
• Making a donation to assist with activities,
• Sponsoring a student, and
• Assisting with fundraising including helping to organise or taking part in a fundraising activity.