Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Mortdale Stake, (diocese) gathered recently to assemble newborn packs for donation to the maternity wards of St George and Sutherland hospitals.
The service project is the second collaboration between the hospitals and the Church, the first being the women in the Mortdale Stake Relief Society organisation making hand warmers for the hospital patients.
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The assembling of newborn packs was discussed between social workers at the hospitals and members of the public affairs team for the stake. It turned out to be a roundtable discussion of women, including mothers with first-hand experience of both the excitement and the challenges of caring for a newborn.
Ms Sinead Tierney, team leader at the Women’s and Children’s Health Centre at St George Hospital, commented that, “some mothers leave the hospital with nothing.” These heartbreaking words were echoed by other social workers who attended the discussion.
The Church members assembled 82 newborn packs, each containing a combination of items including nappies, baby wipes, newborn body suits, singlets, baby shampoo, face towels and baby powder.
Charlie Talivakaola, who attended the event, said, “It is not just about giving something to the babies. It is about welcoming and celebrating a new life and showing support, encouragement and thanks to the mothers.”
As friends and families of the Church members continued to bring donations throughout the event and as more boxes were packed, conversations were heard from many participants that they wanted to do another service project in the near future.
Through Mormon Helping Hands, youth and adults become more sensitive to the challenges others face.
Service to others is an important characteristic of the followers of Jesus Christ. Mormon Helping Hands provides organised opportunities for Church members to give their time and talents to bless those in need. It also creates an opportunity to show that the Church is a friend to the community.
The Church gives humanitarian aid to countries all around the world. Read more about the Church and its good works.
See a short video about the Church and its beliefs.