Leanne was the MCH nurse at Chapel Street in 2009 when we first started. She sent us this thank you note
"Over the years I have watched St Kilda Mums flourish and grow. They have provided so much support for so many families.
9 years ago as a new Maternal & Child Health Nurse (MCHN) I saw the start of St Kilda Mums.
It was an idea that sprouted from a group of caring mums.
Donations of clothing bags put in a small linen cupboard at the end of a corridor in our St Kilda MCH centre.
From those humble beginnings grew a organisation that today the community depends upon.
As a MCHN I rely so much on the altruism of this organisation to support so many families in great need.
A pram is not just a pram - it represents freedom to get out into the world, break down the isolation of being house bound.
A car seat is not just a seat - it represents safety of passage for a newborn or child during car travel.
A cot or a bassinet is not just a bed - it's a safe place to rest a weary infant.
Many families struggle to provide food on the table and appropriate clothing to wear. I see first-hand the difference it makes to be able to offer families material aid through St Kilda Mums.
I also see the dignity it restores. They want to provide these things for their infants and young children.
As a MCHN I rely on St Kilda Mums to provide safe equipment. It is critical that it meets Australian safety standards.
Part of my role as a MCHN is to ensure that all infants are safe. That all infants sleep in a safe place.
Eliminating risk and promoting safe sleep is the work of Red Nose Foundation.
The numbers of Sudden Infant Death has dropped exponentially over the past 40 years. Much of this owing to Red Nose education.
Many families are facing challenges and don't have safe equipment for their children.
Christmas can be a time for joy and celebration, of love and family. Christmas can also represent great stress and financial pressure.
This Christmas, in the spirit of giving, let us give a safe space for all infants to sleep. You can support St Kilda Mums by making a financial gift to help families.
Sleep Safe DREAM big."