Union of Jewish Women helps mothers and babies in need
UJW is a women's organisation. They are committed to uplifting, empowering and making a difference in the lives of women and children.
The Union of Jewish Women (UJW) is keeping new-born babies warm and putting smiles on the faces of many mothers.
A project that started as a Mandela Day project in 2015 has grown to an annual project.
“The idea was inspired by mothers who have limited resources and give birth in government hospitals,” said Cindy Kree, UJW executive director.
She said a conversation about baby bags made them realise the need.
“A baby bag with basic supplies can easily cost up to R600. For some people that is doable, for others, purchasing the basic necessities is impossible.
“We saw that there was a huge need for this after we met with moms with no clothing for their babies, and some moms who hadn’t eaten since giving birth.
“We committed to do this project as an ongoing project. We make up packs and do collection drives every two to three months and then we deliver the packs,” said Kree.
The project distributed 250 baby bags in its first year in 2015.
Since the project started, UJW has donated over 800 bags.
She said as a women organisation, they put women’s issues first and that is the reason they decided to make the baby bag collection project annually.
“As women we are committed to uplifting, empowering and making a difference in the lives of women and children. At their most vulnerable, is a mom who has just given birth. She is excited and scared. Many moms are on unpaid maternity leave and have no support. We believe that this project will help moms with knowing someone cares, and that they are not alone and helps the mom to form a bond with her child and feel at ease for even just a little,” said Kree.
The organisation has distributed bags in Rahima Moosa, Joburg Gen, Alexandra Clinic, Natalspruit and Edenvale Hospital.
They also distribute to smaller clinics where there is a dire need.
“When we began, we worked with bigger hospitals; however, we saw the need to move to smaller clinics as they did not all receive the support the bigger clinics received. Therefore, we decided to focus geographically in smaller clinics,” said Kree.
People who wish to donate can donate the following towards the moms’ wish list:
Biscuits
- Water
- Sanitary towels
- Information about breast feeding.
- Babies’ wish list (0-3 months)
- Baby grows
- Vests
- Nappies
- Wet wipes/ cotton wool
- Bum cream
- Soft toys
- Blankets
- Beanies
- Booties.
“We are a registered NPO and PBO and are able to issue section 18(A) tax certificates for monetary donations. We appreciate all form of donations as long they will benefit the mother and baby,” said Kree.
People can also drop off donations at 1 Oak Street, Houghton.
Additional drop-off points are available in Sandown, Highlands North and Senderwood.
“The executive committee of UJW is so grateful to its members, friends, donors and supporters that ensure that our projects remain sustainable and impactful.
“We also would like to encourage others to join us if they are looking for an initiative or organisation to support,” said Kree.
The Union of Jewish Women was established in 1932 with the objective of uplifting and empowering the South African communities.
They have a variety of different programmes that aim to address some of the challenges faced by women, children and the elderly in the community.
These programmes include the Hillbrow soup kitchen, sewing empowerment school, Alexandra aftercare and feeding scheme, poverty alleviation projects as well as additional projects within the Jewish community.
Should anyone want to get involved, they can contact them on 011 648 1053 or email info@ujw.co.za
