Mothering Mothers 2009

The idea was first initiated by Lil. On Mother's Day in 2004, 2005 and 2007, a group of moms from MMB celebrated Mother's Day in the most wonderful way: distributing gifts the other moms who were in a hospital taking care of their sick children. The gift might be small but being there, maybe only a few minutes listening to the mothers really affected us in special ways.

To me, running around taking care of 4 (soon 5) kids while having a full-time job, and without a live-in helper is nothing compared to what some of the mothers have gone through, especially those with critically or terminally ill children.

All a mom wants is to have her child or children to be healthy, loved, happy and well.

I still remember vividly, the expression on some of the mothers' faces upon learning that the presents were for them on that Mother's Days. For most it was truly a surprise as normally people visiting wards to distribute to the patients. It was truly meaningful to me and a lot of us who were there. We were truly humbled by that experience.

Here's some recap from the previous events

Mothering Mothers 2004

We managed to gather about 200 gifts contributed by MMB members. About 130 was distributed to mothers in pead. wards, and the rest for the nurses in conjunction with Nurses' Day that happened the next day.

The news articles from the event can be found here.

Mothering Mothers 2005

We had overwhelming response (maybe due to publicity through blogs) that we managed to gather more than 200 gifts and some cash. The cash was later distributed to a shelter home for single mothers and about 22 mothers from very poor background in AWAM.

We also had a balloon sculpturor to entertain kids in what we call 'happy wards' where the less critically ill children were warded, and on top of the gifts a mother contributed each mom a rose.




Mothering Mothers 2007

Even with a very late kick-off of the project we managed to collect a total of 175 gifts. As usual we have extras that we later distributed to antenatal, maternity and geriatic wards.

While we were at the antenatal and maternity wards, since most of us are veteren breastfeeding moms, we passed the words about what's best for our babies and shared our experiences with new moms there.

Read what I wrote about it here and here

This announcement comes even later than the one in 2007. I didn't plan for this earlier for some reasons. But with some support I have so far (and confirmation from the hospital) I have a strong feeling that we will make it again.

How you can contribute

1. Gifts
As much as we love to have each contributor to put their own personal choice/touch to the gifts, we are aware of certain matters regarding sensitivities related to religion, belief or taboos. Breakable items and perishable food are also not suitable. So we have come up with the following list of gifts:

1. Non-perishable food/beverage
2. Toiletries
3. Journal / Diary (better the one without rigid dates daily)
4. Photo album
5. Framed painting /pictures of landscapes, beautiful moments, etc
6. Mini cushions (for hugs)
7. Mini fancy containers / boxes
8. Small elec. appliances
9. Comfy slippers or socks

As for others: mini card + dry fragrant flower, scarves, aromatherapy candles, magnetic decorative item and sarong can be put as side gifts if contributors like.

Packaging
Normal shoe-box size, but not so rigid. I mean the size should not be too big or small as we don't want people to think we do double standard. Not necceserily in shoe boxes, some mothers came with nice paper bags etc depends on their creativity. Make sure they are properly wrapped or tied for easy transportation.
We agreed that the price per gift should be under RM20

We tried not to have cash last time, but we receive it on the basis that some volunteers did the buying and packaging. However, this year we may not have enough volunteers for that, so we do not encourage cash contribution.

2. Be in the hospital

Due to some reasons, the event will be held on Saturday a day before Mother's Day 2009. More info as follows:

a. Venue: Menara Timur, UMMC
b. Date: May 9th, 2009
c. Time: 9.30 am to 12 pm

3. Picking up or dropping off

Volunteer to do picking up or offer a place for dropping off.

Keep the pledges coming in and pass the words around (now I wish I have a more popular blog;)). I will update all the information about number of pledges, drop-off points once they are confirmed etc from time to time along the progress of the project.

And now we open this to ALL, not strictly to MMB members only. We consider this as a group of mothers to mothers. Feel free to ask any question.

A note to MMB moms: Please let me know if I have missed anything in this announcement.