Live Your Dream - Delivering hope for families in the Hunter

We Care Connect supports children and families living in poverty across the Central Coast, Hunter, and surrounding regions of NSW. The organisation collects and rehomes high-quality, preloved essentials — such as clothing, nappies, prams, and cots — to ensure families in need receive critical support.

Two years ago, We Care Connect expanded its reach by opening a warehouse in Thornton, a growing town in the Hunter region, which allowed them to support more families in the area. Komatsu’s Thornton employees Kelly-Anne Bartlett and Sandra Cleere have been volunteering at We Care Connect in Thornton since it opened - Sandra has been sewing bags to package donations, while Kelly actively collects items through local networks like Facebook.

It was through their volunteering efforts that they decided to apply for a Komatsu Live Your Dream grant – to see what further support they could provide.

The Live Your Dream program is a Komatsu initiative that grants $10,000 to select employees each year to put towards a charity or organisation – whether that be a local community charity, a fundraising opportunity or a community support service.

Through the support of Live Your Dream, We Care Connect has been able to launch and distribute their ‘Community Packs’ throughout the Hunter region. These packs often include essential items like children's clothing, shoes, bed linen, cots, prams, car seats, toys, books, and even craft supplies.

“The packs were originally only available on the Central Coast, but the grant has helped us with the initial set up, funding a computer and monitor, coordinators’ time, collection and delivery expenses,” Sandra says.

“These support packs are particularly vital for families facing long-term disadvantage, those fleeing domestic violence, or grandparents who have suddenly become primary caregivers. The charity works with a network of over 180 community caseworkers to ensure these packs reach families in need.”

Kelly and Sandra have been able to work with the We Care Connect team to distribute 33 packs so far, and more are planned.

“We Care Connect were absolutely thrilled with our involvement and the donation from Komatsu, which has been crucial in allowing them to reach more families.

“Knowing that our actions have directly supported their mission has been incredibly rewarding, and their gratitude reinforces the importance of us continuing to engage in such meaningful work in our communities,” Sandra says.