On its 10th anniversary The Nappy Collective charity is calling on Central Coast residents to donate new or leftover disposable nappies during its annual Mothers Day Collection Drive.
The Coast area alone needs 10,300 donated nappies to meet the immediate needs of families in crisis and organisers are hoping the Mothers Day Drive will collect 350,000 through 500 collection points across Australia to cater for nationwide needs.
Donations needed are newly purchased disposable nappies or leftover opened packets of disposable nappies that are no longer needed such as when a child outgrows their nappy size and nappy pants.
Collection points which operate year-round on the Central Coast are: Reliance Medical Practice, 69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford; Westfield Tuggerah on Wyong Rd; and Reliance Medical Practice in Amy Cl, Wyong.
The Nappy Collective is also hoping more volunteers will come on board to help the charity.
It is Australia’s only not-for-profit organisation solely focussed on collecting and re-distributing nappies to families in crisis.
CEO Sarah Witty said The Nappy Collective has set an ambitious goal of providing 1.5 million nappies to children and families in need in 2023, with demand reaching 350,000 for the Mother’s Day Collection Drive.
“Even so, the need for nappy donations is so high that the 1.5 million target will only deliver five per cent of what’s required,” she said.
“There’s a multitude of reasons why a family might face nappy stress, from homelessness to natural disasters or fleeing domestic violence.
“The cost of living crisis has also meant more and more people are struggling to afford the nappies they need for their children.
“That donated bag of nappies can mean an extra $30 in their budget to help cover that rent increase, a few more meals that week or some petrol in the car.
“So, as we approach Mothers Day, we’re urging everybody to think about how they can support local mothers, families and children and give the gift of nappies to those in need.
“On our 10-year anniversary, our mission at the Nappy Collective remains the same – that every child in Australia deserves a clean, healthy and happy start to life.”
For those who don’t have nappies on hand, donations can be made on the donations page of The Nappy Collective website.
Sue Murray