Supporting Auckland’s Newest Lives: Littlemore’s Impact Through Grassroots Giving
For a number of years, Auckland Foundation’s Grassroots Giving Programme has proudly supported Littlemore and the vital work they do for families with newborn babies facing significant hardship.
Over the past year alone, Littlemore has supported approximately 8,000 families across Auckland. Through the generosity of more than 2,900 donors, 100 volunteers and over 11,000 community supporters, more than 300,000 essential baby items were distributed to families who needed them most. These included high-value items such as cots, prams, highchairs and safety equipment, alongside books and early learning resources that help nurture a child’s development during their critical first year.
Littlemore steps in at moments of real crisis. Many of the families they support are living in poverty or dealing with complex challenges such as homelessness, poor housing, health issues or social isolation. Some arrive late in pregnancy for specialist medical care with no baby items at all. Others are caring for premature or critically unwell newborns. Migrant and refugee families are often navigating settlement in New Zealand with limited resources and support networks. In these situations, access to safe sleep, travel and play equipment is not a luxury, it is essential.
By providing practical, high-quality baby essentials, Littlemore helps reduce stress and financial pressure on families during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. Parents are better able to focus on securing housing, putting food on the table and finding employment, while knowing their baby is warm, safe and supported. The organisation’s work also contributes to reducing preventable injuries and improving overall wellbeing for both parent and child.
Beyond direct support to families, Littlemore plays a key role in strengthening community connections. Their diverse volunteer team represents more than 22 ethnicities and spans generations, creating meaningful opportunities for young people, migrants and families to contribute, build skills and feel a sense of belonging. Through strong partnerships with community organisations and frontline services, Littlemore continues to respond to emerging needs and extend its reach to those most at risk.
Auckland Foundation’s funding has contributed towards the salary of Littlemore’s only paid part-time staff member, a critical role that underpins the coordination of volunteers, donations and partnerships. Without this backbone of support, the scale and consistency of their service would not be possible.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication, compassion and professionalism Littlemore brings to our communities. Their work ensures that thousands of Auckland babies are given a safer, stronger start to life. It is a privilege to support an organisation delivering such tangible, lasting impact where it is needed most.
