Gift drive for vulnerable mums
'If we can gift these mothers a small bag of goodies it could really change their day and push them to keep going and know there will be a way forward'.
ON Mother’s Day in years gone by, mother–daughter duo and principals of LJ Hooker Bondi Junction Stella Gankin and Marina Makhlin hosted a breakfast for vulnerable mothers with Sydney’s Our Big Kitchen.
Although the breakfast cannot proceed this year due to social distancing, Gankin and Makhlin have found an alternative way to express the community’s care and concern during this time.
Through their Mother’s Day Gift Drive, LJ Hooker and Our Big Kitchen will be delivering gift baskets with donated goods to mothers in women’s shelters.
“We want to make their day a bit brighter. Many of these women are lacking bare necessities – items like soap and other sanitary items are a gift to them at the moment,” Makhlin told The AJN.
“Bonuses like make-up are just a complete luxury. It was definitely an opportunity to say, ‘We know you are going through a rough time, but there are people who care.’
“One small gesture can make a big difference.”
The women are asking others to donate any number of new, unused goods.
“Even if it’s one sanitary item, or one nice soap, or one candle, it will make a difference,” encouraged Makhlin. “A small gesture from everybody is a large gesture together.”
She added, “I’m a mother myself and I work with my mother, so we understand how special Mother’s Day is.
“If we can gift these mothers a small bag of goodies it could really change their day and push them to keep going and know there will be a way forward.”
Meanwhile, the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NSW)’s Mum for Mum program has its own “Mother’s Day gift to the community”, announced the program’s executive director, Nadene Alhadeff.
The program will soon offer a free training session on relationships, based on the Mum for Mum model.
“At Mum for Mum, everyday is Mother’s Day. We appreciate the role of motherhood every time we meet a mother,” remarked Alhadeff.
“The volunteers themselves are given the gift of sharing the motherhood journey with a new mother in a very profound way.”
To drop off donated goods at LJ Hooker’s Bondi Junction office, text Marina on 0422 274 555. Details on the Mum for Mum training will soon be available at mumformum.org.au.
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