Pop by the Little BIG House on the third Sunday afternoon and you’ll feel it straight away — the happy hum of kids, laughter, and popcorn in the air. Families settle in upstairs while Lily greets everyone with her easy smile, making sure things flow without fuss. It’s calm, a little chaotic, and exactly what she hoped to create - a space where kids can be kids and parents can relax.
Like many parents, Lily longed for a sense of connection amid the juggle of family life. “A couple of years after my second child, I really wanted to meet people going through something similar. That’s how I joined the parents’ group, first just attending, then volunteering.”
When her time as a parents’ group volunteer wrapped up, Lily stayed connected by helping refresh the Little BIG website. “It was about making it easier for people to find what they need, whether that’s events, stories, or ways to get involved.”
When asked how Kids Club – Weekend Wind-Down started, “It started as a way for families who couldn’t make weekday events to still come together,” she says. “Now it’s a space where parents can relax and kids can just be kids.”
Almost a year on, the club is thriving. Parents bring snacks, kids pile onto beanbags, and everyone helps tidy up at the end. “It’s so relaxed,” Lily smiles. “If kids get restless, that’s fine. No one’s shushing anyone. Parents can chat, catch up, even open their laptops if they need to. It’s just… easy.”
It’s been wonderful revisiting childhood favourites like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants and Pokémon, while also discovering plenty of new movies along the way.
For Lily, connection doesn’t have to be grand or planned. Sometimes it’s as simple as sharing popcorn while the kids laugh at the same screen. She remembers the mum who used movie time to listen to music and recharge, and the family she met whose child goes to her son’s school. “Now we see each other at the park and at football,” she says. “That’s what Little BIG does. It sparks those connections that make everyday life feel a little warmer.”
In her words, “We all have something in common. It just takes a place like Little BIG to spark that connection.”
Next time you’re at the Little BIG House on movie day, look for Lily. She’ll be there with her easy smile and a bowl of popcorn, making sure everyone feels they belong - because at Little BIG, connection starts small, and Lily knows just how powerful that can be.
Here’s more about Lily:
I’ve been a Little BIG Volunteer for…
Two years, and I’ve learned that even the smallest moments can make a big difference!
My role with the Foundation is…
Hosting the Kids Movie Club / Weekend Wind-Down. Every third Sunday from 3–5 pm, we roll out the mats, pop the popcorn, and settle in for a chilled-out afternoon where kids can kick back with a great movie, and parents can finally take a breather (because, well, we’ve earned it!).
It’s a free, feel-good event all about good vibes and community connection. Our next screening is Sunday, November 16, featuring the heart-warming hit The Wild Robot. Bring the family, grab some popcorn, and come join the wind-down crew!
I volunteer because…
It’s the perfect excuse to meet awesome people in my community — and maybe even make new friends along the way!
I hope I can support my community by…
Bringing people together so those awkward “who are you?” moments turn into “so glad we met!” memories.
The top thing on my bucket list is…
To build something of my own — something that leaves a mark (and maybe a little bit of glitter) on the world!
I'm most grateful for…
My family, who keeps me grounded, loved and laughing (usually all at the same time)
The last little BIG thing / action I did for someone else or receive from someone was...
Learning how to play Splendor, thanks to one of the amazing co-hosts at a recent G Spot Family Board Games Day. We had such a blast figuring it out and can’t wait for even more board game fun!