5 minute read
Paying it forward
How many times have you stuffed a bag of kids’ clothes into a charity bin and thought about where they will actually end up? Or wondered what to do with that pram or safety gate you no longer need.
Our kids grow up at such a rapid rate so many of our kid’s items are still in fantastic condition when they are no longer needed. So what can we do with these items so we know they are going to a great new home? Mummies Paying it Forward is a Sydney-based charity organisation created to support the most vulnerable people within our society, by providing preloved (in great condition) and brand new items to a wide range of dedicated local not-for-profit charities within New South Wales.
Founded in December 2014 by Sydney mum of four and paediatric nurse Fatma Elzein, and run by a small, dedicated team of volunteers, the group has grown from a handful of Fatma’s friends, to over 22,000+ members in a short period of time. They focus on practical ways they can contribute to local not-for-profit organisations and assist so many struggling families within our communities and beyond. It’s about helping someone who has hit a rough patch in life so they have the opportunity to one day help themselves and in most cases, their children and families.
Donations can be delivered to one of over 30+ drop-off points across Sydney or given directly to the charities they support.
Fatma Elzein, Founder and Managing Director of Mummies Paying it Forward tells us how it all began…
I get asked a lot about how Mummies Paying it Forward came about and ultimately it was a number of small ‘defining’ moments. Defining moments to me are times where you stop and really think about how you can contribute to improve a situation. Prior to the establishment of Mummies Paying It Forward, I was struggling emotionally to cope with loss so I decided to channel my energy into helping others.
As a mother, I could easily relate to other mothers, and the idea that there were parents out there who couldn’t afford to feed and clothe their children, really got to me. Based on a prior recommendation of a friend on what to do with baby clothing and nursery items, and having grown up in a household where the generosity of the community in advice and support to newly settled migrants was frequently spoken about, the road to the first two charities Mummies Paying It Forward would support, had begun. From my initial pursuit to find a way to volunteer and help others, I knew that the hardest thing about helping others, is figuring out where to start and how you can personally
contribute within your everyday life. This was displayed in how the Mummies management team came about. Marie dropped a donation to my house and saw that I was a mum trying to make a difference (with my kids running around in the background) and she messaged me afterwards offering her marketing/IT skills. Being a tad hopeless with any form of technology, of course I jumped at the chance. Another piece of the puzzle was Sue who came on board in the early days as a volunteer driver. Pretty quickly I could see she was a true asset to the Mummies team for her coordination skills and big heart. With time, we have been joined by so many incredible individuals who bring such passion and commitment to helping others and we are proud of all those that make up the Mummies Paying It Forward Family. Collectively, we saw an opportunity to help and we jumped at it because we believe that giving back to the community makes a world of difference to so many. Mummies Paying It Forward has grown into the huge network of dedicated volunteers, drop off points, partners and charities that it is today because of the contributions members make each and every day to improve the lives of others within our society. And we’re just getting started.
So what can you donate to Mummies Paying it Forward?
Baby and children’s essentials
We believe that clothing and essentials packs provided by Mummies Paying It Forward are a gift from the community to vulnerable families. For this reason, we ask that your donation is new or good/great condition and freshly laundered. We can’t accept anything that is stained, discoloured, torn or broken (check those zippers). • Baby and children’s clothing sorted by size (e.g. 000, 00, 0 up to 14) and gender (or gender neutral) • Baby wraps and blankets • Children’s underwear (new), socks and PJs • Nappies and wipes (disposable, cloth and modern - open packs of nappies accepted) • Bottles and teats (must be new, in unopened packaging) • Baby carriers (Ergo or BabyBjorn style only)
Nursery items - most in need
• Bassinets with stand lockable (if rocking) and removable covers and mattresses • Bassinet and cot linen and mattress protectors (clearly labelled and freshly laundered) • Prams (especially those suitable for newborns) and double prams in clean condition and importantly in working order (especially brakes), with instruction manual (if possible). • Pram accessories liners, sunshades, rain covers, head supports etc • Baby baths • Baby bouncers (not swings, as we cannot rehome) • Manual breast pumps only • Safety gates with all pieces taped together
Currently on hold due to oversupply
• High chairs IKEA style with removable legs • Strollers
Toys and books
We can rehome pre-loved toys and children’s books in excellent condition. Please only donate toys that are less than 50cm in size - we don’t have the storage space for large toys.
The essentials
1. Non-perishable food such as canned food, rice, lentils, pasta, including baby formula with at least 3 months date 2. Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, body wash
Have something to donate not on this list?
Go to the website for a list of other charities who may be able to accept your items. So why not take a look through your cupboards and garage for all those thi-ngs you no long need and give them to some one that does need them instead. One mama to another.
For further enquiries, please email us at info@mummiespayingitforward.org.au. Find out more at www.mummiespayingitforward.org.au
