WIMMERA people can help families in crisis by donating a common baby item.
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Wimmera midwife and A Baby is Born director Michelle Coutts is co-ordinating donations for The Nappy Collective, a national initiative that encourages people to donate unused disposable nappies.
Mrs Coutts said she had cared for many families in the past decade who had endured days where they had to use a single nappy for their baby.
“I even know of parents who have had to resort to washing out a disposable nappy and re-using it because they simply cannot afford to buy nappies of any kind,” she said.
“Some days they have had to make a choice between putting food on the table and nappies, and food is always the priority.”
Mrs Coutts said people would be surprised to know how many Wimmera families faced this situation.
“In the Calmbirth childbirth education classes I run, I am seeing and hearing of more and more families who are struggling to afford one of the largest ongoing costs of raising a young family,” she said.
“On average, a nappy costs 45 cents each and newborns use up to 3000 nappies in their first year of life.
“That amounts to $1350 a year.”
Mrs Coutts said her previous Horsham collection gathered 1400 nappies, and she hoped people would support the initiative again.
“A few nappies may not mean much to you, but they make a huge impact on a family in crisis and shows them their community truly cares,” she said.
Mrs Coutts said people could donate nappies at drop-off points at Elders Rural Services and Up Tempo Cafe – both in Horsham. The items will go to families in Yarriambiack shire.
The Nappy Collective will run for two weeks from October 13.
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy will also have a collection point at her Horsham office.