The Auction and Care Packages – An Update (Still looking for donations!)
Jul 18
It’s been a whirlwind of activity over the past few weeks! Since the Mummy Smiles Facebook page clocked over 3000 Likers, I have been in full swing with a couple of activities aimed at supporting women and children who are seeing refuge from domestic violence in shelters in Queensland.
The first initiative was to put together care packages for 30 women and 30 children (many people arrive with nothing but the clothing on their backs, so basics like toiletries and school supplies are a great way to help). Thanks to some very generous businesses and individuals, we have the following items ready to donate:
Children’s Smile Packages:
- Backpacks – donated by KidsLifestyle
- Crayons – donated by Tracey
- Toiletry bags – donated by Margie
- Pencil cases – donate by Debbie
I am still seeking donations for 30 x soft toys, exercise books, colouring books, story books, toothbrushes, toothpaste.
Women’s Smile Packages:
- Toiletry bags – donated by Margie
- Shampoo and conditioner – donated by Amarra Hair Studio
- Soap – donated by Joanne
I am still seeking donations for 30 x tissues, moisturiser, deoderant, hair brushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
If you can help, or you know someone that can help, with donating 30 of the required items, I would love to hear from you! My email is natalie@mummysmiles.com.
The second initiative is a HUGE auction that will be taking place on the Mummy Smiles Facebook page over this weekend – starting from Friday 20th July to Sunday 22nd July. All items have been donated by readers, business, and WAHMs (Work At Home Mums). I will be continuing to add items right up until the auction starts so if you have an item that you would like to donate, I would love to hear from you! You can see all items available here:
I would just like to say that I have been touched by the support that I have received through emails, Facebook messages and talking to people on the phone. This is just one of the emails that touched by heart:
I just wanted to say I think the auction for helping women and children in domestic violence shelters is amazing, as it’s something that many people aren’t aware of.
I have been there, I left a very violent relationship just over a year ago through a domestic violence hotline. My daughter and I had no choice and we were lucky they put us in hiding for a week to keep us safe. Unfortunately due to lack of funding they didn’t have space in a shelter for us and we had to find another option which we were lucky to find.
This is something close to me and to see other people trying to help this cause makes me so happy.
And although I’m no longer in a situation where I’m in need of the help I really want to thank you because there are so many people out there that who think they are stuck in these situations and through donations, and things like your auction, you’re helping in getting them out.
Domestic violence is not something that we should just brush under the carpet – it’s real, it happens, and it affects ALL of us. The more we discuss it, and the more we support women in providing them the resources to be able to leave violent relationships, the healthier our future society will be, and the better role models we will be for our children.
As Daddy Smiles and I were talking the other night, I read aloud to him the statistics that show that one in three Australian women over the age of 15 have reported experiencing physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives. He was quiet for a while and then looked up at me with sadness in his eyes and said “One in three? But we have three daughters!’ I said “I know, babe… I know.’
Please share this post with everyone you know – the more help we can get the better. And we’ll cyber-see you at the auction this weekend!!
What a great idea , I’ll share it on my FB page too.
Thanks so much for sharing Patricia!
Up until 1.5 years ago, I was working in a women’s and children’s shelter. I can assure you that these packs will be well received, much appreciated and will mean more than you will ever know! Thank you Mummy Smiles for shining a light on an issue that is more prevalent than many think, but is often pushed to the side with hushed tones. It is so incredibly important for women out there who are going through a situation such as Domestic Violence to know that THEY ARE NOT ALONE, that it IS NOT THERE FAULT and that HELP IS AVAILABLE. I commend all those strong and brave mummas out there who have already had to make the difficult decision to move on and encourage those who may be in a difficult spot right now to seek some advice and/or help. Wishing you all the luck in filling these packs and for the upcoming auction! I’m off to share this event on FB now!
Hey Em – what an incredibly difficult job it must have been to work in a shelter. It really is emotionally taxing to know just how tough some people have it, so I take my hat off to you. Nothing makes me sadder than the thought that domestic violence is somewhat of an embarrassment and not really a topic that we should talk about it public. Thank you so much for your support and for sharing the event with your friends