The Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust has contributed NZD 10,000 to the Christchurch-based charity One Mother to Another.
Founded by Joy Reid and Christina Buckland in 2016, the charity delivers over 6,000 care packages each year to neonatal and paediatric wards across the South Island. These packages contain practical items like deodorant, handwritten notes, comfort, and treats.
This charity provides care packages to mums and carers in hospitals with sick newborns or children during their most challenging times. They aim to support families with sick children in hospitals and help mothers manage their well-being while navigating mental health challenges.
This grant, provided in the form of Trents credit, has enabled the charity to buy more than 2,500 deodorants, about five months' supply, to include in their care packages.
“We’re honoured to support the incredible work of One Mother to Another, whose care packages provide much-needed comfort to families during tough times,” said Lucy Boock, Chair of Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust.
One Mother to Another CEO Joy Reid said the funding was a game-changer.
“Being able to include essential items such as deodorant, which aren’t typically donated, makes a significant difference in helping parents during hospital stays. It’s a practical item that parents often arrive at the hospital without. Being able to feel fresh and cared for is such a gift in a time of stress and uncertainty,” said Reid.
"It’s hard to feel human in a hospital with a sick child. Something as simple as deodorant can impact someone’s experience and well-being. This donation helps us meet a need that’s truly important."
The charity has 106 volunteers, most of whom are note writers. About 30 volunteers help put the care packages together each month.
“It’s humbling that a care pack can have such a big impact. We include a handwritten note in every package, and that personal touch seems to provide a real boost.”
The charity has collaborated with organisations like Nurse Maude, Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury, and Pregnancy Support Nelson. It has delivered Christmas gifts to around 900 nurses annually to recognise their dedication and hard work and delivered care packages to parents.
For families with a sick child spending the holiday season in the hospital, One Mother to Another has launched a Christmas Givealittle campaign to bring cheer and comfort through special care packages.
