For the past few months, volunteer co-managers Chelsea Hamilton and Laura Ramsay have been gathering hundreds of donated items, including clothing, bedding, nappies, books, toys, toiletries and safety items, ready to distribute in pepi packs to local families.
"Once we have everything in place, we will reach out to local community partners — such as social agencies and Women’s Refuge — so we can connect with families we can help," Ms Hamilton said.
The Nest Collective is a national organisation, on a mission to help as many families in need as it can by providing pepi packs.
One in nine children live in households reporting material hardship, which means many families face impossible financial decisions, such as choosing between paying the power bill or buying warm clothing for their children.
The volume of items needed by babies in their first year was extraordinary, and was a major financial strain on families.
"We believe every baby in Aotearoa should come into the world with the basic necessities and parents, families and whānau should feel supported," Ms Ramsay said.
The Nest Collective had so far sent out 155 packs containing more than 22,000 items for babies in need and their families across the country, Ms Hamilton said.
The packs are co-designed with experts to ensure they make a significant difference.
"The Nest Collective has a great network nationwide of donors and amazing crafters, who make beautiful knitted garments and blankets," Ms Hamilton said.
"We also get mums and dads donating clothing and other items their babies have outgrown or no longer need."
As they work towards launching The Nest Collective into action in Dunedin, hopefully later this month, Ms Hamilton and Ms Ramsay are busy gathering up items for pepi packs. They are also raising funds and looking for volunteers.
- A fundraising quiz night will be held at The Kensington Tavern next Friday, May 12, at 7.30pm. Teams of up to 6 can register for the event, at a cost of $60 per team, with all funds used to help local babies and their families.
- Items that are most needed for the local pepi packs include wipes, teethers, bowls, spoons, sippy cups, swaddles, hooded towels, rattles, bodysuits, socks, mittens and bibs, but all donations are gratefully accepted.
For more information, visit www.thenestcollective.org.nz, or email dunedin@thenestcollective.org.nz
