Since its establishment in June 2015, the City Baby Bank has made significant strides in supporting families facing poverty and crisis. Founders Becky Gilbert, Eva Fernandes, and Melissa Burgers started the nonprofit with a straightforward goal. They wanted to impact three families a week. Today, it works from a bigger warehouse in Fishponds and has helped around 40 families per week.
The City Baby Bank has emerged as a vital resource in the community, providing essential items to those in need. Powered by a network of 325 referral partners, it’s helped more than 11,000 families get the support they need. That’s why this new initiative is so important. The organization has circulated nearly 460,000 predominantly secondhand items, which would have a new purchase value of £3.4 million.
The City Baby Bank is run by a team of five, part-time, paid staff members. Around 20 committed volunteers give freely of their time and energy. Jointly, they oversee day-to-day operations and community outreach initiatives, working to touch the lives of more families in need. Beyond Schmidt’s leadership, the organization has benefited from the guidance of an active board of trustees that has prioritized strong governance.
To continue its operations, the City Baby Bank depends only on donations, grants, and fundraising events. We are currently in the middle of our “Power The Hive” fundraising campaign. We are aiming to raise £10,000 in one week on the online platform Big Give. This campaign will continue until June 30. In a huge shot in the arm to its efforts, the first £5,000 raised will double the impact of the campaign. Local radio company Global will match the funding under their Make Some Noise scheme.
Morena Staiano, another volunteer with the organization, said she looked for inspiration in the community’s resilience.
“Volunteering has opened my eyes to the resilience and strength of our community.” – Morena Staiano
She finished by saying that she hoped the City Baby Bank would continue to be an important resource of community support. Bristol families need it and are counting on it.
Rachel Fitzgibbon, another champion for the initiative, said it’s critical that kids have convenient access to their most basic needs.
“I strongly believe every child deserves a safe, healthy start in life – and that begins with access to the essentials, from day one.” – Rachel Fitzgibbon
