17 April 2021
Published 24 April 2020
Made and packed with love out the back of a warehouse in Brendale, midwife Melissa Redsell has been overwhelmed by recent demand for the ‘baby bundles’ care packages that she puts together to donate to teen mums.
That is until now.
The charity today received a $7,674 cheque, personally delivered by Mayor Peter Flannery, thanks to Moreton Bay Regional Council’s hardship and assistance grants.
“This money will allow A Brave Life to buy, package and deliver 200 more ‘baby bundles’ at a time when essential supplies like nappies and wipes can be hard to find at the shops,” he said.
“Seeing firsthand the demand that A Brave Life are currently trying to supply, it was immediately clear to me that they absolutely need and deserve this financial assistance.
“It’s local charities and community groups like this that I won’t allow to be forgotten in the broader economic recovery of our region, as we chart a path forward through the weeks and months ahead.
“I was honestly humbled to meet such amazing women giving so much of their personal time to help others through this crisis, their commitment to empowering and supporting young women is amazing.
“I’d encourage all charities and volunteer groups to get online and check out Council’s initial $15 million stimulus package, because there’s $5 million worth of grants there that you’re eligible to apply for.
“Council has streamlined our application processes to get grants approved faster, so that community groups receive funding as soon as possible – because we know that a little bit of cash might tide you over.”
A Brave Life was founded in 2015 and is a registered not-for-profit charity providing a person-centred, positive approach with achievable outcomes to meet the practical needs of young women from a physical, emotional and educational perspective.
Founding Director and CEO Melissa Redsell said that no mother should be without the essentials for her newborn baby.
“Our baby bundles are designed for a young mother to turn up to hospital with all the immediate essentials that she needs for her baby,” she said.
“At A Brave Life we believe in gifting good quality and safe baby products to teenage and young mothers. Each baby bundle is filled with brand new, newborn items such as nappies, wipes, baby wash, feeding equipment and newborn clothing.
“Unfortunately due to COVID-19, self-isolation, social distancing and low stocks of newborn products, we have seen a massive increase in the demand for our baby bundles, so this funding will allow us to purchase essential items and gift them to mums-to-be via maternity social work departments, young parent programs and community centres across the Moreton Bay Region.
“I believe that through our baby bundle program we are able to foster a greater sense of belonging and connection with teenage and young mothers by letting them know that there are people in the community who support and champion them on, whilst also relieving some of their financial pressure.”
For more information and to apply for the grants, visit Council’s COVID-19 Funding Program page.