Welcoming a new baby can be an exciting time, but it can also bring significant challenges. Some families face impossible choices between paying the power bill and buying warm clothing for their newborn. The Nest Collective’s pēpi packs help ease that pressure. Filled with essential baby items and provided free to vulnerable families, the packs help ensure newborns have what they need to thrive.
‘Each pack contains over 150 essential items, including clothing, bedding, toiletries, toys, books, safety items and much more,’ explains The Nest Collective’s Chief Executive, Natalia Karacaoglu. The packs combine donated new and pre-loved items with beautiful handmade pieces. Volunteer crafting networks work behind the scenes to create booties, blankets, hats and knitted toys for inclusion in each pack.
‘Our work focuses on the first 1,000 days of life,’ says Natalia. Research shows this period is critical to a child’s long-term health, development and wellbeing. ‘Access to essential items during this time can significantly reduce stress for families and support healthier beginnings for pēpi.’
Social workers, midwives, health providers and community organisations refer families to The Nest Collective. The registered charity operates nationwide, with Auckland as a key focus. This year, its Auckland branch has already distributed 242 packs, including 94 to whānau across West Auckland. Nearly 80% went to Māori and Pacific families, while many recipients were solo mothers or caregivers aged 25 or younger. ‘Our strong community partnerships ensure packs reach whānau who would benefit most and strengthen coordination between services supporting families during pregnancy and early parenthood,’ says Natalia.
Hanna is one young mum who remembers the difference her pēpi pack made. Three beautifully presented boxes arrived filled with baby clothes, nappies, a baby bath and other essential care items. ‘I just felt loved at a time when I was really alone,’ she says.
The Nest Collective recently received $5,000 from the Your West Support Fund to continue its vital work. The funding has enabled the charity to buy essential items, including merino sleeping bags, towels and thermometers, that cannot always be sourced through donations. A small portion has also supported operational costs, including the coordination and infrastructure needed to prepare and distribute the packs. ‘Thanks to the Your West Support Fund, more pēpi across The West have a safe and supported start in life,’ says Natalia.
Visit The Nest Collective’s website to learn more, make a donation or help create something special for a local pēpi through the Nest Makers craft network at thenestcollective.org.nz or follow them on Facebook.
If you or your organisation could use support from The Trusts, find out how to apply at thetrusts.co.nz/our-funds.
