In Rio de Janeiro, about 1 in 5 people live in poverty. In places like Rio’s favelas, the proportion of people experiencing poverty is often significantly higher than the national average, and living conditions (housing, sanitation, safety) can make that poverty more severe.

In the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, poverty isn’t just about income—it shapes every part of daily life.

Families wake up each morning not knowing if they’ll have enough food for the day. Many homes are overcrowded, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and reliable electricity. Healthcare can be difficult to reach, and schools are often under-resourced, making it harder for children to break the cycle of poverty they were born into.

For parents, the hardest reality is not being able to provide the basics. Imagine having to choose between buying food or essential medicine. Imagine diluting baby formula to make it last longer, knowing it’s not enough. Imagine watching your child outgrow clothes you cannot afford to replace.

This is the reality for many families.

But these communities are not defined by hardship alone—they are full of resilience, strength, and people doing everything they can to support one another. What they lack are resources, not determination.

That’s where we can step in.

Your donation—whether it’s money, clothing, or baby formula—goes directly toward easing these daily struggles. It means a parent doesn’t have to skip a meal so their child can eat. It means a baby gets the nutrition they need. It means dignity, relief, and a moment of hope.

You have the power to make that difference.

Please give what you can. And if you can’t donate today, sharing this message helps bring these families closer to the support they deserve.

Because no one should have to face these challenges alone.

Let’s talk logistics…

How will this happen?

We’re asking for donations of money, clothes, toiletries or other essential items* which can be dropped off to a variety of locations including

Geelong and surrounds

Ballarat and surrounds

Melbourne and surrounds

Shoot through a text on 0480 563 104‬ to arrange a pick up/drop off

A duo of friends, Dermott & Marcus, are flying to Brazil in May, and we’ll bring all the donations along with us. Through collaboration with locals living in Rio de Janeiro, we’re aiming to donate all essential items to families living in the favela known as the City of God (Cidade de Deus).

In an effort to share the impact with those who’ve been able to contribute to this effort, we will document the journey with photos and updates from Brazil. If you’d like to receive a little newsletter, please leave your email in the comments, or text it through to me.

*Please donate anything suitable for life in a tropical climate, and only donate things that you would feel comfortable using yourself

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for supporting this initiative in any way you can.

Dermott Lynch

—UPDATE—26/3 - I’m already so moved with the kindness and generosity. This feels exciting and will make many people happy. Thank you