Fewer babies wrapped in newspaper, shopping bags

The project at the Tambo Memorial Hospital to send newborn babies home with proper coverings was a success in 2016, and the organisers hope to have another successful year in 2017.

Deacon Barbara Morrison from the Boksburg Anglican Church wrote to the City Times over a year ago regarding the project to help newborn babies who were sent home wrapped in newspapers or put into shopping bags.

“On February 25, 2016, I introduced Christa Craddock and her women at the time from Northfield Methodist Church, to the problems we face here on a daily basis,” Morrison said.

“They presented our new moms with a hamper of baby clothing for each of the little ones in the maternity ward.

“Christa is now with the Christ Community Church in Northmead and they continue to partner with me in doing this ministry.”

The team managed to cover 1 054 newborn babies last year, which surpassed their initial goal of 1 000 babies.

“Thank you to everyone in Benoni who helped us reach our milestone,” Morrison added.

She also said that the 2016 babies were covered with love because many blankets were handmade by various people.

“This includes a group of women at Eddy House who use their pension money to buy wool and do the most amazing knitted items,” Morrison said.

Morrison and her team visited Tambo Memorial Hospital on Christmas Day last year and gave out 26 hampers.

“This year we have moved our goal to 1 500 babies,” Morrison said, “and with your generous gifts, we are able to do this.”

Community members who would like to donate to this project can contact Morrison on barbaraam@telkomsa.net