Little Hearts Mission
Creating Opportunity. Restoring Hope.
Building Futures.
Every child deserves the opportunity to dream, learn and thrive.
Little Hearts Mission is an Australian charity working with local communities and trusted partners to create opportunities for vulnerable children and families through education, nutrition, community support and sustainable programs.
Trusted Partnerships
We proudly collaborate with charities, community organisations, businesses and generous supporters who share our vision of creating brighter futures for vulnerable children and communities around the world.
Richard's years of community service
International programs
Currently identified for community support
A Life of Service.
A New Chapter of Hope.
For four decades, Richard Garlick has been committed to supporting people and communities through his work with Sunassist. His journey has always been guided by a simple belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, given opportunities and supported when they need it most.
His work has taken him well beyond Australia, with visits to Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Tanzania and other parts of the world. Along the way, Richard saw first-hand the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, particularly children growing up without the opportunities many of us take for granted.
Those experiences stayed with him.
Retirement became an opportunity to turn that experience and passion for helping others into something new. This led to the creation of Little Hearts Mission, a mission focused on giving vulnerable children access to education, nutrition, healthcare and opportunities that can help shape a better future.
What began with a simple desire to help is now growing into a wider community of people, organisations, volunteers and supporters working together across borders.
Because sometimes, changing a child’s future starts with simply believing they deserve one.
About Us
Creating Opportunities. Building Stronger Communities.
Little Hearts Mission is built on a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and build a brighter future.
We support vulnerable children and families through practical programs focused on education, nutrition, healthcare and community development. We work alongside local organisations, community leaders, schools, volunteers and supporters to understand the needs of each community and provide support where it can make the greatest difference.
We believe meaningful change goes beyond short-term assistance. Our aim is to create opportunities that help people build confidence, develop skills and work towards greater independence.
From supporting children with education and learning opportunities to developing sustainable community programs, we focus on initiatives that can create positive, lasting change.
Little Hearts Mission brings people together across communities and countries with one shared purpose: to help children and families build brighter futures.
Our Approach
- We listen to communities
- We take the time to understand local needs before developing programs and providing support.
- We work with local partners
- We build relationships with people and organisations who understand their communities and are already making a difference.
- We support children and families
- We provide practical assistance in areas such as education, nutrition, healthcare and wellbeing.
- We create sustainable opportunities
- We develop programs designed to grow and provide benefits to communities over the long term.
- We believe in empowerment Our goal is not simply to provide support, but to create opportunities that help people become more confident, capable and independent.
Why I Started Little Hearts Mission
For four decades, my life has been dedicated to helping people and supporting my community.
As the Executive Officer of Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Inc., I have had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team of staff, volunteers and community members who have made a difference in the lives of thousands of people across our region. Together, we have supported older people, people living with disability, carers, families and those who simply needed someone to lend a helping hand.
Throughout my journey, I have learnt one simple truth:
While much of my work has been centred on our local community, I have also been fortunate to travel overseas and experience a very different reality.
In Vietnam, the Philippines and Tanzania, I met children who had experienced significant hardship. Some had lost their families. Others had been abandoned, were living in poverty or had limited access to education, healthcare and opportunities that many of us take for granted.
Despite these challenges, what stayed with me most was not their hardship. It was their resilience, their smiles and their incredible hope for a better future.
Those experiences stayed with me.
As I began thinking about the next chapter of my life, I realised that retirement did not have to mean slowing down. It could be an opportunity to use my experience, time and passion to create something that could make a lasting difference beyond my own community.
That vision became the Little Hearts Mission.
Little Hearts Mission was created to walk alongside children, families and communities who need someone to believe in them. We work with trusted local partners to provide practical support through education, healthcare, nutrition, employment pathways, family support and community development.
Rather than creating dependency, our goal is to create opportunity.
We believe lasting change comes from empowering local communities, investing in children and building partnerships based on respect, trust and sustainability.
Our work has begun through partnerships in Vietnam, the Philippines and Tanzania, and we look forward to growing our reach and impact as the organisation develops.
Everything we do is guided by a simple belief:
Every child deserves the chance to learn, feel safe, dream and build a future filled with hope.
Little Hearts Mission is more than a charity. It is the next chapter of my life's journey.
After four decades of serving my local community, I now hope to dedicate the years ahead to supporting vulnerable children and communities around the world and helping create brighter futures.
Because no matter where a child is born, every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we can create hope, one little heart at a time.
Richard Garlick
Founder Little Hearts Mission
Every Journey Begins with Hope
Every Child Deserves an Opportunity
Every child has a story. Some begin with hardship, poverty or uncertainty. But with the right support and opportunities, their story can change.
At Little Hearts Mission, we work with local communities and trusted partners to help children and families build brighter futures.
It Takes a Community
Lasting change happens when people come together.
- Volunteers give their time.
- Donors provide support.
- Local partners understand the community.
- Teachers, mentors, families and businesses all play a part.
Together, these small acts can create a lasting difference. They become a journey of hope.
Every Child's Journey
Every child we support, every volunteer, every donor and every partner is walking a path. Choose a journey below and follow it, step by step.
From Need to Independence
Walking alongside children and families to transform hope into real opportunity.
Identify the Need
We listen to communities and understand where support is needed most.
Provide Support
We help with practical needs such as education, nutrition, healthcare and wellbeing.
Create Opportunity
We help children and families access opportunities to learn, grow and develop new skills.
Build Independence
We work towards stronger, more self-reliant communities and brighter futures.
“With the right support, hope can become opportunity, and opportunity can become a brighter future.”Little Hearts Mission
A Journey Of Service And Compassion
It usually starts with a conversation — and ends with a life changed on both sides.
Hears About LHM
A friend, a talk, a story shared online — the first spark of curiosity.
Volunteers
Time, skills or expertise offered — every contribution finds a place.
Visits A Project
Seeing the work first-hand turns intention into commitment.
Changes Lives
Consistent presence becomes real, measurable impact for children.
Becomes An Ambassador
They carry the story forward and bring others into the journey.
“I came to give a few hours. I stayed because I saw what those hours become.”LHM volunteer
A Journey Of Generosity
Not a transaction — a relationship, with proof of the change you created.
Makes A Donation
One gift, or a monthly commitment that funds long-term stability.
Sees Updates
Clear, honest reporting on where the money went and what it did.
Receives Impact Stories
Names, faces and milestones — the human side of the numbers.
Visits A Project
Standing in the place your generosity built changes everything.
Leaves A Lasting Legacy
Support that outlives the gift — and keeps opening doors for years.
“I know exactly what my giving changed. That's rare — and it's why I stayed.”Monthly supporter
A Journey Of Collaboration
Businesses and local organisations working alongside us to build stronger futures.
Meets Little Hearts Mission
A shared conversation about values, need and what's genuinely possible.
Sponsors A Project
Funding, resources or expertise directed where it changes most lives.
Builds Long-Term Relationships
Year on year partnership, not a one-off cheque.
Creates Sustainable Impact
Local capacity that keeps growing long after the project launches.
“Our team doesn't just fund a project. They belong to one.”Corporate partner
Change Takes Time
We know that lasting change does not happen overnight. It happens one child, one family and one community at a time.
With the right support, hope can become opportunity, and opportunity can become a brighter future.
Building Brighter Futures Together
Because real transformation requires commitment, trust, and sustained effort across local communities.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
There are many ways to support Little Hearts Mission. You can donate, volunteer, become a partner or simply share our work with others. Every contribution, big or small, helps us create opportunities for children and communities to build brighter futures. Your support can help turn hope into opportunity.
Together, we can support children, strengthen communities and create lasting change. Be part of the Little Hearts Mission.
The Journey of Hope
Little Hearts Mission believes transformation is a journey—not a single moment.
A Child's Journey
- Need
- Care
- Education
- Confidence
- A Brighter Future
A Donor's Journey
- Compassion
- Giving
- Creating Opportunity
- Changing Lives
- Lasting Impact
A Volunteer's Journey
- Serve
- Connect
- Inspire
- Transform
- Grow Together
A Partner's Journey
- Collaborate
- Empower Communities
- Build Sustainable Change
- Create Hope
WHO WE ARE
An Australian Charity Creating Change Beyond Borders
Little Hearts Mission was founded in Australia with a simple purpose: to create opportunities for children, families and communities who need them most.
We believe lasting change is about more than providing short-term assistance. It is about working with local communities, understanding their needs and creating practical solutions that can continue to make a difference.
Through trusted local partnerships, we support children, strengthen families and help communities build a more secure and sustainable future.
Every donation, volunteer and partnership helps us turn support into opportunity and hope into lasting change.
Education
Giving Children the Chance to Learn
Every child deserves access to education and the opportunity to reach their potential. We support children with learning resources, school supplies and other educational opportunities that help them learn, grow and build a brighter future.
Employment & Enterprise
Creating Sustainable Livelihoods
We believe people need more than short-term support. They need opportunities to build skills, earn an income and create a more secure future for themselves and their families. Through skills development, mentoring, employment pathways and community-based enterprise, we aim to help individuals and communities develop sustainable sources of income and greater independence.
Community Development
Building Stronger Communities
Strong communities create stronger futures. We work alongside local partners to support projects that improve wellbeing, food security, education and community resilience. Our aim is to help communities develop solutions that can continue to benefit families for years to come.
Why We Exist
Every Child Has Potential. Every Child Deserves Opportunity.
Millions of children around the world face barriers that no child should ever experience.
Little Hearts Mission exists to bridge those gaps through practical support, trusted partnerships, and sustainable community programs that create lasting change.
01.
Providing access to quality education, school resources and lifelong learning opportunities.
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02.
Supporting skills training, social enterprises and meaningful employment opportunities.
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03.
Helping communities become stronger through sustainable local initiatives.
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Countries We Serve
Working Together Across Four Nations
Every community is unique, which is why we partner with local organisations that understand the needs of their people.
🇦🇺 Australia
Supporting vulnerable families through community partnerships, volunteer programs and charitable initiatives.
Learn More →🇵🇭 Philippines
Creating opportunities through education, feeding programs, social enterprises and community development projects that empower children and families.
Learn More →🇻🇳 Vietnam
Working with trusted organisations to protect vulnerable children, strengthen families and provide pathways towards independent futures.
Learn More →🇹🇿 Tanzania
Supporting sustainable agriculture, education and community-led initiatives that improve livelihoods and create lasting opportunities.
Learn More →
Stories of Hope & Opportunity
Discover the heart behind Little Hearts Mission through inspiring stories of resilience, compassion and transformation.
This book shares real experiences from the communities we serve and demonstrates how ordinary people can create extraordinary change through kindness, partnership and hope.
Every book purchased directly supports Little Hearts Mission's international projects.
"An inspiring collection of stories that reminds us how hope grows when communities work together."
Our Impact
Real Stories. Real Lives Changed.
Behind every programme is a child, a family or a community with a story. Through the support of our donors, volunteers and partners, we are creating opportunities in education, nutrition, healthcare, livelihoods and community development. Every contribution helps create positive change and brighter futures.
Empowering Education
Helping children return to school with access to educational resources, uniforms, school
supplies and learning support.
- Education
- Healthcare
Creating Employment
Supporting social enterprises and vocational training programs that provide meaningful employment opportunities and financial independence.
- Healthcare
- Emergency
Strengthening Communities
Working alongside local leaders to improve wellbeing, food security and sustainable
community developmen
- Education
- Healthcare
Get Involved
Become Part of the Mission
Whether you’re an individual, family, school, business or organisation, there’s a place for you at Little Hearts Mission.
Together, we can create opportunities that change lives.
Donate
Help provide education, food, healthcare and opportunities for vulnerable children.
Volunteer
Share your skills, time and experience to make a meaningful difference.
Partner With Us
Work alongside us through corporate partnerships, sponsorships and community collaborations.
Fundraise
Host a fundraiser, community event or workplace initiative to support our projects.
Join Us in Creating Brighter Futures
Every act of generosity—big or small—helps provide hope, opportunity and lasting change. Together, we can empower communities, restore hope and build brighter futures for children around the world.
Our Team
Meet Our Amazing Team
Behind every successful project is a passionate team of staff, volunteers and community
partners committed to making a lasting difference. Together, we bring experience, compassion and purpose to every community we serve.
Our Gallery
Hope Begins With You
Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Together, we can create opportunities, restore hope and build brighter futures across
Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Tanzania.
Blog & News
Blog & Articles From Sunlight
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Join the Journey
Every journey begins with one decision. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, partner with us, or simply stay connected, you become part of changing the future for vulnerable children around the world.
Together, we can create opportunities, restore hope, and transform lives—one child, one family, and one community at a time.
Donate Today
Help provide education, nutrition, and hope.
Become a Monthly Supporter
Create lasting impact through ongoing support.
Partner With Us
Work together to build stronger communities.
Volunteer
Share your time, skills, and compassion.
Subscribe for Updates
Follow the journey and see your impact.
Get Started
Small Hearts. Big Change.
Together, we can build a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.