Local foundation supports new mothers

RySky Foundation in partnership with Kingdom Connection Community Church Multi-Purpose centre (Kccc Foundation) hosted a community baby shower for mothers in Eldorado Park Extension 6 this past weekend.

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The baby shower was for 11 new mothers and soon to be mothers who are between the ages of 16 and 50 years old. They were showered with gifts and words of encouragement as they embark on the important journey of motherhood.

This gesture by RySky Foundation and Kccc Foundation forms part of their community development initiative where they assist local communities battling with social ills.

Annamaria Lechki from RySky Foundation said the initiative is targeted at women from the East and West Rand regions and is aimed at helping them and their new babies at this important time of their lives.

“The concept of the baby shower is all about letting the ladies know that we see and care for them and they matter,” explained Lechki.

“They come from very difficult and impoverished backgrounds with some of them still in high school.

“Through the baby shower we are able to gift them with basics such as blankets, baby products, food parcels and show them some love and care.”

This is a big and kind gesture for the ladies as many of them don’t have an income or any sort of support. By coming together and organising the baby shower, the two foundations were able to remind the new mothers that they are not alone and are loved and appreciated in the community.

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RySky Foundation is no stranger to community involvement as they also run a feeding scheme in the community on a weekly basis. The foundation also provides care services and social relief to children, elderly, disadvantaged and the disabled.

While the new mothers were showered with gifts, the most important aspect of the baby shower was to provide them with emotional support. With the youngest of them being 16 years old while the oldest is 50 years, emotional and spiritual support is crucial as both these pregnancies have their unique challenges.

“The community baby shower provided a safe space for our ladies to relax and connect with each other.

“I see you, you matter and are cherished was underlined with bantering, waddling and laughter,” said Lechki.

A hearty warm meal and beverages were served for the ladies in attendance. Many gifts consisting of food parcel, blankets, baby products and pre-loved clothes were presented to the new mothers.

Lechki added that the baby shower was the start of a supportive journey for the mothers as they have started a WhatsApp group for them where professionals will come on board to assist with advice and answer any questions they might have.

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Special thanks went out to the following stakeholders for making the event a success; Sisterhood Foundation, Team Hope South Africa, Be A Light Foundation, Kuveshan Naidoo and family, Tambo Memorial Baby packs, Round Table 181, Sue Vaughn Juries, Jadene Joseph, Rebecca Neff, Urban Ruins and KCCC Foundation.

For more information, RySky Foundation can be reached on 073 453 9666, email annamaria@rysky.org.za