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New moms’ saving grace

GREENSIDE – A baby shower to mothers in need, from angels.

The Baby Box Project, a non-profit organisation in Greenside, is assisting disadvantaged mothers at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital by providing necessities for their newborns.

Lena Clark, who is in her 50s and is the heart of the project, heard of a young girl who had given birth to her fourth baby but had nothing for the infant.

“I thought if we could put together something for young moms and deliver it at the hospital. Maybe it would help them,” said Clark.

“That’s kind of where it started as just an idea that gripped my heart.”

Together with her daughter, Robyn Clark Rajab (31) the duo started The Baby Box Project in 2014 with the aim to create hope and to give babies a good start in life. Clark, who works full-time for the project said that when people are in a vulnerable position and are shown kindness, hope springs within them.

The organisation visits the hospital twice a month with about 70 bags. Each bag, with a value of about R350, contains baby clothes and toiletries, is delivered personally and volunteers engage with moms and listen to their stories.

“We see young moms, we see old moms. Poor moms and those without support,” said Clark. “We’ve had moms as young as 14 years old and a mom who was 42 with her seventh baby,” added Clark.

The dynamic duo wants to help as many babies as possible. With Raheema Moosa Mother and Child Hospital at a staggering 1 000 babies born every month, 70 bags are not enough.

“If we double, triple or even quadruple that, we’re still not helping every single baby that’s born and that’s only in one hospital,” said Rajab.

“There are thousands born in Johannesburg alone who are in need of your help.”

The organisation said they would like to expand to two or three more hospitals in the most vulnerable places in Gauteng. However, with very little sponsorship and a few hands, it will take a while to reach their goal. Assistance from the public, private entities and individuals is highly sought to increase the number of mothers and infants which they benefit.

This year, the organisation has made eight visits to the hospital and donated 304 bags. They are hoping to give 67 bags on Mandela Day this year. “For us, those are moms who have been touched personally,” said Clark.

Details: www.babyboxproject.co.za

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