GIVIT helps Australians get the items they need after a disaster

That’s where GIVIT comes in. A partner of NRMA Insurance, GIVIT, is a unique Australian organisation that acts as a “matchmaker” between those who need support, and people who want to offer their help in some way.

With many Australians displaced during the bushfire crisis, GIVIT is especially important in connecting those with specific needs and requests, with donated items and services.

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GIVIT’s CEO Sarah Tennant said: “It started in Queensland ten years ago when founder Juliette Wright wanted to donate baby clothes but didn’t want to put them in the good Samaritan bin that was overflowing.

“What was clear to Juliette is that although charities were receiving generous handouts from the community, they weren’t necessarily needed.”

Sarah explains that GIVIT is an online donation platform, like a “virtual warehouse” where people can ask the community what they required.

“When you think of making a charitable donation you don’t usually think of a trampoline, a boxing bag or a microwave. But it turns out these items are exactly what some people who are down on their luck need, things that make a huge difference to their lives,” Sarah said.

Anyone can now log on to GIVIT and see a list of needs in their local area by simply filling in their postcode.

“Our virtual warehouse is full of amazing items and has relieved pressure on local services to store, sort and ultimately dispose of well meaning, unwanted donations,” Sarah said.

It’s at times of disaster that the GIVIT model really makes a difference.

“Following disasters Australians are incredibly generous, they see the vision on the news, they want to donate but often it’s not the right item or it’s not the right time,” Sarah said.

“After bushfires, a lot of people haven’t got a house to put anything in yet, so the generous donation of a bed or a couch is actually hindering recovery efforts. By pledging into the virtual warehouse people hold onto that item, and when (and if) it’s needed, we help make it happen. This way you’re enabling communities to take their own lead in the recovery.”

GIVIT is also committed to buying locally to support struggling communities.

“I had the pleasure of ringing a small mixed business owner in Baffle Creek, QLD following the fires last year and asked if we could purchase $5,000 worth of vouchers to hand out to locals who were doing it really tough,” Sarah recalled.

“This lovely gentleman burst into tears and said what a difference that made to his business - he was planning on telling his kids that Santa wasn’t coming this year.”

GIVIT’s founder Juliette Wright still speaks of the overwhelming feeling she had when GIVIT’s first donation was made.

“An elderly man had lost his wife and all he needed was a microwave so he could heat up meals - it was gifted by someone living just around the corner from him.”

GIVIT now supports 3,000 charities across the country and has matched much needed items and services for over 1.4 million donations.

Our partnership with GIVIT

We have been a proud partner of GIVIT since 2015, to help more Australians get back on their feet following large emergency events including bushfires, cyclones, floods and drought.

This partnership helps us deliver on our purpose to make your world a safer place. Beyond managing our customers’ claims, we also aim to create safer, more connected and resilient communities by working collaboratively with likeminded organisations like GIVIT.

To find out more about how IAG is assisting customers affected by the current bushfires, visit our bushfire response hub.