- Published:
- Friday 13 May 2016
Melbourne’s St Kilda Mums and their regional sister organisations in Geelong and Ballarat have been globally recognised as a tech leader in the not-for-profit sector after being named the 2016 Not-for-Profit of the Year by US app powerhouse Canvas.
The ‘Mums’ use the Canvas business app to help them in their collection, restoration and re-homing of pre-loved baby goods and nursery equipment to families in need – helping over 6,000 Victorian families in past year alone.
The Mums were flown to Washington DC in January to receive the award for their leadership in making a difference to the community and embracing technology as the lifeblood of their organisation.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis today congratulated St Kilda Mums CEO Jessica Macpherson on the growth and reach of the organisation, getting a first-hand look at how technology has streamlined operations in its St Kilda warehouse.
The Mums’ network uses a highly customised version of Canvas’ cloud-based mobile app to track incoming and outgoing donations, perform safety checks and ACCC safety recalls on equipment such as cots and prams.
Since 2009 – when the organisation started on Ms Macpherson’s front porch – the app has seen more than 1,000 volunteers conduct safety checks in any location, be at home or in one of their four warehouses across the state.
Donated items can also be tracked through the app so that the Mums’ network of 2,000 maternal child health nurses and welfare agencies can contact recipients of goods about serious safety issues.
Victoria is home to a quarter of Australia’s not-for-profits is supporting innovation in the sector by providing $7 million to Social Traders for business development, market expansion and startup funding.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“The St Kilda Mums network makes an invaluable contribution to our community, saving usable goods from landfill and ensuring families that are facing hardship receive as much assistance as possible.”
“It’s clear that embracing digital technologies can deliver massive efficiencies for businesses and not-for-profits are no different. Victoria is leading the country in tech businesses and it’s great to see our organisations being recognised for their leadership on a global level.”
Quotes attributable to St Kilda Mums CEO Jessica Macpherson
“International recognition has helped us grow to a network of more than 1,000 volunteers across four locations and build manpower through our Corporate Volunteer Program.”
“Technology has truly revolutionised how they operate day-to-day allowing us to have confidence in our data, which welfare agencies can use to identify and boost resources in the communities that need it the most.”