What we do
Service projects
Birthing kits, breast care cushions and Pamper Packs — made and assembled by our members for hospitals and family violence services.
Birthing kits
A clean and safe start
One of our club’s major annual service projects is assembling birthing kits to be sent to a developing country. Birthing kits provide a clean and safe birthing environment for women in developing countries, to reduce the incidence of infant and maternal morbidity and mortality.
Most women we assist have little or no assistance during childbirth, for reasons of isolation, cultural choice or poor transport. 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, which are used by traditional birthing attendants in remote areas overseas. The Birthing Kit Foundation Australia will celebrate 20 years in May 2026.
830
Women die each day from complications of pregnancy and childbirth
303,000
Estimated deaths in childbirth each year, many from preventable infections
$5
Cost of one birthing kit
200
Minimum kit order
Further information is available from the Birthing Kit Foundation Australia.
Breast care cushions
Comfort after surgery
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 cushions, 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.
$10
Cost of one cushion
7
Hospitals supplied, including Epworth
More information about the cushions, the workshops and the fabric we can use is on the Breast Care Cushions page. This project is sponsored by the City of Yarra.
Pamper Packs
Comfort for women escaping family violence
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 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.
You are welcome to volunteer for our December Pamper Packing event. If you are interested in lending a hand, please email info@zontamelbourneonyarra.org.au.
Local service projects
Our 2025 Local Project Award
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, which 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.
Acknowledgement of support
Thank you to our supporters
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our regular donors, whose ongoing generosity makes these projects 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.
Support a project
Fund a kit or a cushion
Donations marked BKS fund birthing kits at $5 each, and BCC funds breast care cushions at $10 each. Every dollar goes directly to the project.