Hampers helping young families
The Nurtured Village (NV) is a national charity that relies on the generosity of its community to provide services/hampers to young families around Australia. Emma Meaney established NV on the Northern Beaches in 2020. The group initially supported new mothers, but now it has extended its help to include people with young children.
“We helped out a family from the Ukraine with young children that needed a lot of support,” says Emma. “We got beds, mattresses, a couch and some household items they needed to set up their home, such as a hairdryer and bathroom items. That was Christmas 2022, and the family was over the moon. They called us the Magical Santa that year.
Hampers can be made up of gifts or vouchers
“We’ve had a hamper recipient who had a young child with brain cancer,” says Emma. “And a family which had experienced a house fire, a family with a premature baby who was in hospital for eight months. We’ve had a mum with three children impacted by domestic violence. So really quite a diverse range.”
On the first weekend of every month, NV announces on its Facebook page that applications are open to nominate a deserving Beaches family. An online random name generator will select a recipient on a Sunday night, and the ‘village’ will be called upon for donations. Donations can include home-cooked or store-bought food, small gifts and services. Home-cooked food must be either freshly cooked or frozen with ingredients noted. NV will organise pick up and delivery of donations.
Emma encourages people to join the local Facebook group, which has over 400 members. NV is also looking for Northern Beaches businesses that are able to provide ongoing support to young families by donating goods or vouchers to be included in the hampers.
“It would be great to have some local businesses on board to make a regular commitment,” says Emma. “They might have pamper services, like a massage or hairdresser.” Visit the Facebook page, The Nurtured Village Hampers Northern Beaches, and join the group if you or your business could help local families.
Visit thenurturedvillage.org for more information.
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