Residents of the western and northern suburbs are being called upon to contribute to a fundraising initiative aimed at providing safe sleeping arrangements for vulnerable infants. Big Group Hug, a local charity, recently received a generous donation of over 500 cots but now faces the urgent need for mattresses.
Each mattress costs the charity $70, and community members are encouraged to donate cash to support this cause. Maria Quigley, the fundraising manager for Big Group Hug, emphasized the critical importance of adequate sleeping conditions for infants, particularly in lower socioeconomic areas where the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is three times higher.
Raising Awareness for Infant Safety
According to Quigley, “Having an appropriate sleeping surface makes a difference.” She highlighted the unique opportunity presented by the donation of cots, which would cover nearly a year’s worth of supplies for the charity, provided they can procure the necessary mattresses to accompany them.
Quigley stressed the collective responsibility of the community to support those facing financial difficulties. She noted, “The cots and mattresses will go to families experiencing financial hardship, including mothers and babies who have fled from family violence, individuals who have lost their homes in house fires, and those struggling to make ends meet in the current economy.” She added that anyone can find themselves in a challenging situation, often due to unforeseen circumstances.
Community Contributions and Partnerships
Big Group Hug expressed gratitude to iL Tutto for their generous donation of the cots and to Kangaroo Bedding for offering a discounted rate on mattresses. These partnerships play a vital role in enabling the charity to fulfill its mission of supporting vulnerable families.
To contribute to this essential cause and help provide safe sleeping arrangements for infants in need, community members can donate through the following link: https://mattress.biggrouphug.org/.
Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a significant impact in ensuring that infants have a safe and comfortable place to sleep, fostering a healthier start to life for the most vulnerable members of the community.
