Gifts of love to newborns

Desire Goodwin (61) started Giving Gifts of Love to Newborns to help eradicate ‘newspaper babies’.
“One of my friends worked in a maternity ward and she told me how some women would walk into the hospital to give birth and they did not have a bag. So after they give birth, they have nothing to wrap the baby in but newspaper.

“Sometimes the hospital staff can give them an old sheet,” said Goodwin.
Goodwin knew she had to get involved, and started the project in 2015.
“We go to the hospitals to make the donations. We believe that all newborns have the fundamental right to a dignified start in life to eventually reach their full development potential, regardless of the situation in which they were born.

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“We believe that mothers equipped with the necessary skills can take responsibility for their lives to bring about lasting, significant long-term results and address this critical need,” she explained.
Goodwin, with the help of volunteers, distribute baby essentials and toiletries for new moms at different hospitals.
She said her mission is to create a supportive and enabling environment that will protect, enhance and make an impactful difference in the lives of impoverished babies, toddlers, mothers, victims of rape, abuse, neglect and abandonment, as well as to assist hospitalised children suffering from poverty-related illnesses.

“The relief on their faces of those we help brings the greatest joy to us,” she said.
Liesl Jungbauer helps collect wool and newborn basics at the Springs Craft and Farmers Market every month.
“We then knit little blankets and hats and send them to Desire. So many of my friends and family have become involved in the project and it is very fulfilling,” said Jungbauer.
Liesl said they also accept wool scraps. For more information on how to donate, contact Goodwin on 082 879 8960.

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