How RJL helped deliver Big Group Hug’s 2019 grand opening

Big Group Hug is a Melbourne charity that provides essential items to babies and children experiencing hardship. In 2019, RJL Fencing and Gates Pty Ltd funded and hosted the organisation’s grand opening after an initial conversation about fencing work grew into a much larger community commitment.

The August event brought the charity, local supporters, suppliers and council representatives together around a practical goal: helping Victorian children and families access the essentials they need.

From a fencing enquiry to the entire opening

What began as a request connected with the new premises quickly became something more. After learning about Big Group Hug’s work, Chris Alebakis and the RJL team offered to take responsibility for the grand opening rather than limit their help to the original fencing enquiry.

RJL funded the event, coordinated suppliers and logistics, and worked with other local businesses that contributed their services. Big Group Hug’s own public post recorded that RJL contacted the charity and offered help when support for the opening was requested.

Recorded in Big Group Hug’s annual report

Big Group Hug’s 2018–19 annual report also credits the generosity of RJL Fencing while describing the development of the Bendigo Bank Kids Corner. That independent record matters to us because it captures the practical difference local organisations can make when they combine their resources.

Backing grassroots football and cricket

RJL also sponsors local football and cricket and supports club events. Our community involvement has included cricket partnerships with Northern Socials Cricket Club and Thomastown United Cricket Club, alongside support for local football leagues and clubs.

For RJL, this is part of being a long-standing local family business: contributing to the clubs, volunteers and community organisations that give people a place to connect.