News

Guildford community unites to support new and expectant mothers

In a demonstration of community spirit, members of the Guildford Grammar School community have come together to support families in need.

26 Aug 2024

Students from Guildford Grammar School and caregivers smile holding the gifted toiletry bags

Partnering with local volunteers and St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals, this community led effort has successfully collected and donated essential items to support expectant and new mothers.

The initiative, devised by Neonatal Clinical Nurse Kate Ashworth, involved an initial reach out to local community groups for essential items for expectant and new mothers. Kate’s request was met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Families and individuals rallied to contribute toiletry and tote bags filled with crucial items for mothers and babies, which were then donated to the Maternity Unit at St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals.

So far, the community effort has resulted in the donation of 100 tote bags and 50 toiletry bags to be distributed to families in need.

"The desire to give back to the community was strong within the Guildford Grammar School family. Often people want to help but don't know where to go or where to start," Kate said.

The Guilford Grammar School Senior Administration Office was designated as a collection point due to the high volume of donations from eager families.

Local volunteer group Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Scented Hearts and More WA also played a significant role in the initiative; the groups sewing and donating hearts for parents separated from their babies and providing toilet and tote bags, which were then filled with the donated items. Alongside her two teenage children, Kate prepared these bags, which include toiletries, baby clothes, swaddles and beanies for distribution to those in need.

"Guildford Grammar School is proud to be part of donating items of newborn clothing and toiletries for those in need. Thanks to the initiative of the Ashworth family and the generosity of our community, we collected an astonishing amount of donations that will make a significant impact. This act of kindness exemplifies the spirit of giving and unity within our school," said Richie Longson, Head of Community Engagement at Guildford Grammar School.

St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals Chief Executive Officer, Paul Dyer, made the following comments. 

“We commend Kate’s efforts in bringing community stakeholders together and making her great idea a reality. For many expectant and new mothers, these packages will make the world of difference to both their stay in hospital but will also support them on their journey home with their newborn. Kate hopes to continue to run this initiative and we genuinely appreciate her efforts and commitment as a caregiver”.