May 2024
The Kirk has once again concluded a very successful baby needs drive, to support the Island Pregnancy Centre. This mission was begun at the Kirk in 2022, to support at-risk mothers and their newborn babies. The baby needs collected go into gift bags that are usually given to mothers on their one-month check-in visits to the Island Pregnancy Centre, but some items are given at a later date, if the nature of gifts is more appropriate for older infants. Many of the recipients are single mothers or mothers with limited networks of social support. This past year, Island Pregnancy Centre clients welcomed 140 babies, so the need is great.
Each year since its inception, this Kirk mission has been supported by a $1,000 grant from the Synod of the Atlantic Provinces. Those grants allow us to significantly extend the support we are able to provide to new Island mothers.
This year, the Kirk’s collection included: 121 articles of clothing; 18 boxes of diapers; 7 containers of baby formula; 25 packages of baby wipes; 9 Walmart gift cards for $25; 5 bottles of baby oil; 6 bottles of baby wash; 6 bottles of baby lotion; 13 baby brush and comb sets; as well as bath towel and facecloth sets, board books, plush toys, soothers, thermometers, rattles, assorted toiletries, and disposable changing mats.
The Island Pregnancy Centre was extremely grateful to receive all of these baby needs, which will significantly assist them in meeting the needs of their clientele. The Kirk wants to particularly thank Rebecca Wellner, who once again did the shopping for items paid for by the Synod grant, and for transporting all of our gifts to the Island Pregnancy Centre. She is pictured with David Robinson, making our delivery to the centre following the wrap-up of the drive on Mother’s Day.