Celebrating National Volunteer Week with Women’s Agenda

I was recently honoured to contribute a piece to Women’s Agenda in celebration of National Volunteer Week — a moment that truly recognised the heart and impact of the NICU Cheer community.

What began as a simple idea to do something kind—just once—has grown into something far beyond what I ever imagined. Today, NICU Cheer is powered by over 750 remarkable volunteers. Around 180 support our work hands-on, helping with in-person activities and preparing donations, while more than 580 volunteers from across Australia lovingly knit, sew, and crochet handmade items for our care bags.

Together, we’ve delivered nearly 6,000 gift bags to families with premature or sick babies in NICUs and Special Care Nurseries—and reached countless more through our online community. Through our social channels, NICU parents from around the world—from Ireland to Ghana, the USA to Brazil—have found connection, encouragement, and hope.

NICU Cheer is so much more than a charity. It’s a community built on quiet action, kindness, and shared purpose. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created together—and so grateful to everyone who makes this possible.

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READ FULL ARTICLE HERE:

How Maddie turned her NICU journey into a nationwide volunteer movement