Mother’s Day: The Babes Project donates gifts to needy new mums in Melbourne’s east

With Mother’s Day celebrations with loved ones on hold, a charity in Melbourne’s east has come up with a “really beautiful” way to pamper struggling mums — and it’s catching them by surprise.

The Babes Project’s Helen Parker with volunteers Bec Gerbert, Holly Petty and Emma Rowland. Picture: Josie Hayden

A Melbourne-based charity is not letting coronavirus stop struggling mums getting pampered on their special day.

The Babes Project, based in Croydon, has made an early delivery of gift packs to 100 needy and new mums using their services to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday.

It provides free peri-natal support for those affected by issues including teen pregnancy and single parenting, domestic violence, homelessness and isolation.

The gift packs have been filled with handy items including a nappy bag, cookies and balloons.

It also includes the group’s new MumaLife journal so mums can record their thoughts and assist their wellbeing while in lockdown.

The Babes Project’s Helen Parker and her team want to make Mother’s Day special for mums in need. Picture: Josie Hayden

Founder Helen Parker said it had been uplifting to connect with its program participants and surprise them with the gift packs, which were packed and delivered by volunteers.

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“It’s been really beautiful, we’ve had lots of interaction with mums who didn’t expect anything,” she said.

“Its pretty scary to have a baby in the best of circumstances and then when you have this (coronavirus) thrown on top, it’s very challenging.

“It’s a bit sad we don’t get to see our mums for Mother’s Day, and our thing is making sure women don’t feel isolated.”